The Wisconsin Department of Justice has announced that Wisconsin led the nation in the amount of prescription medications collected during the Fall 2024 Drug Take Back event. The state gathered a total of 55,493 pounds of unwanted medications this fall.
Attorney General Kaul commented on the achievement, stating, "Wisconsin is again leading the nation in drug take back due to strong partnerships across the state and the continued commitment of Wisconsinites to ensuring that prescription medications are safely disposed of." He extended gratitude to everyone involved in the initiative.
Since its inception in 2010 under the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) leadership, Wisconsin has collected 1,312,654 pounds of unwanted medications. The state ranks third nationally for total collections, trailing only Texas and California. Across the United States, Drug Take Back events have amassed a total of 19,200,440 pounds since they began.
The DEA organizes two Drug Take Back days annually, one each in spring and fall. In Wisconsin, these efforts are coordinated with assistance from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). The program aims to provide a safe method for medication disposal while raising awareness about potential misuse and dangers associated with improper handling.
Support for Wisconsin’s Drug Take Back events comes from several organizations including Fuchs Trucking, Reworld, and local law enforcement agencies such as the Wisconsin State Patrol and Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office.
Although official Drug Take Back Days occur twice yearly, residents can dispose of medications any day at over 500 permanent drug disposal boxes located throughout Wisconsin at law enforcement agencies, hospitals, pharmacies, and health clinics. Information on locating these boxes is available at: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/permanent-drug-drop-boxes.htm.