(Waupun) A number of Dodge County agencies will be participating in ‘Prescription Drug Take Back Day’ this Saturday, October 26th. Residents are encouraged to bring any unwanted, unneeded, and expired medications to their local law enforcement agency for proper disposal.
The goal is to keep the medications from getting into the wrong hands, as authorities say abusing prescription drugs can lead to more serious addictions. Waupun Police Chief Jeremy Rasch explains what happens once the prescription medications are collected.
“And the [Department of Justice] basically fills…in our region…fills a huge box truck full of prescription medications…it’s kind of impressive how many boxes they can fit in this,” says Rasch. “And then they take it to an incinerator over…I believe it’s in Barron County, Wisconsin I think it’s the only one in the state…and then everything gets incinerated.”
Rasch adds that Waupun has a drug drop off box available year-round.
“We have a collection box inside our police department…there’s also one at Waupun Memorial Hospital,” says Rasch. “So, anybody can come daytime…if you have to come in the evening an officer will have to open up the door for you to get into our lobby…but we collect throughout the year.”
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office in Juneau will have a staffed collection site in the lower lobby which is located at 124 West Street. The public can drop off over-the-counter medications from 10am to 2pm.
All solid, non-liquid medications should be taken out of their original container and placed in a clear, sealable, plastic bag for disposal. Blister packs are accepted while liquids, creams, and sprays must be in their original packaging. Illegal drugs, needles and sharps, and bio-hazardous materials are among the items not accepted. There is no cost to dispose of the drugs.
Click HERE to find a collection site near year.
