The Wisconsin Department of Justice has announced that National Drug Take Back Day will take place on Saturday, October 26, 2024. More than 155 events are scheduled across the state with participation from over 275 law enforcement agencies. The initiative encourages residents to dispose of unwanted and unused medications safely.
“Drug Take Back Day provides a great opportunity to safely dispose of your unused and unwanted medications,” stated Attorney General Josh Kaul. “Please consider bringing your unwanted medications to a Drug Take Back event or permanent drug drop box for disposal.”
This day offers a safe and responsible way to dispose of medications while educating the community about the risks associated with improper storage and disposal. Residents can find nearby locations by visiting https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/drug-take-back-day.htm.
The DOJ emphasizes that medicines should not be flushed or poured down drains as water reclamation facilities cannot remove all pharmaceuticals, leading to traces appearing in rivers and lakes.
The success of Drug Take Back Day relies on support from several organizations including the DEA, Fuchs Trucking, Reworld, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs, Indiana State Police, Waukesha County entities, and local law enforcement agencies.
Guidelines specify that waste pharmaceuticals must originate from households only; businesses are excluded. Acceptable items include prescription (controlled and non-controlled) drugs, over-the-counter medications, ointments, patches, inhalers without aerosol sprays, creams, vials, pet medications as well as vape pens or e-cigarette devices without batteries.
Items not accepted include illegal drugs such as marijuana or methamphetamine; needles/sharps; acids; aerosol cans; bio-hazardous materials containing bodily fluids or blood; personal care products like shampoos or lotions; household hazardous waste like paint or pesticides; mercury thermometers.
Participants may dispose of solid medication by removing labels from pill containers or placing them in clear sealable plastic bags. Blister packages are acceptable if the medication remains inside. Liquids must be in original packaging for acceptance during this initiative.