Drop off your unwanted or unused medications for Drug Take Back Day
National Drug Take Back Day occurs this year, Saturday, April 27, with more than 248 participating law enforcement agencies, where Wisconsinites are encouraged to dispose of unwanted and unused medications.
“Cleaning out your medicine cabinet to get rid of unused and unwanted medications can help with the fight against the opioid epidemic,” said Attorney General Josh Kaul.
Drug Take Back 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. Prescription (controlled and non-controlled) and over-the-counter medications, ointments, patches, inhalers, non-aerosol sprays, creams, vials and pet medications are accepted, as well as vape pens or other e-cigarette devices (batteries removed).
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), mercury thermometers are not accepted.
Participants may dispose of solid, nonliquid 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, visit dhs.wisconsin.gov.
