Get rid of your unwanted medications in a safe way

National Drug Take Back Day takes place Saturday, Oct. 26, across Wisconsin, with more than 275 participating law enforcement agencies, where residents are encouraged to dispose of unwanted and unused medications.

The day provides a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposal, while also educating the community about the potential abuse and consequences, of improper storage and disposal of these medications.

Unused or expired medicine should never be flushed, or poured down the drain. Water reclamation facilities are not designed to remove all pharmaceuticals, and trace amounts are showing up in rivers and lakes.

All waste pharmaceuticals must be generated by a household - no businesses are allowed.

Community members should bring prescription (controlled and non-controlled) and over-the-counter medications, ointments, patches, inhalers, non-aerosol sprays, creams, vials and pet medications, vape pens or other e-cigarette devices (batteries removed).

Do not bring illegal drugs, needles/sharps, acids, aerosol cans, bio-hazardous materials (anything containing a bodily fluid or blood), personal care products (shampoo, soaps, lotions, sunscreens), household hazardous waste (paint, pesticides, oil, gas) and mercury thermometers.

Participants may dispose of solid, non-liquid medication(s), by removing the label or blacking out personal information on the label of the plastic pill container, or by putting the medication into a clear sealable plastic bag. Blister packages without the medications removed, are also acceptable.

Liquids will be accepted during this initiative. However, the liquids, creams and sprays must be in their original packaging. Liquids without the original packaging will not be accepted.

Illicit substances, such as marijuana or methamphetamine, are not a part of this initiative and should not be placed in collection containers.

To find a Drug Take Back location nearby, visit dhs.wisconsin.gov.