First of two 2023 drug take-back events a success
By Brandi Makuski
Local drug take-back events continue on the uptick seen in recent years of collecting leftover and expired over-the-counter and prescription medications.
Now in its 22nd year of the National Drug Take-Back program, the Portage Co. Sheriff’s Office held several collection events in rural areas in April, partnered with special collection days hosted by the Stevens Point and Plover police departments.
Eight boxes of medicines came in from the village, 13 from the city, and 20 from the county, totaling a haul of 1,031 pounds.
That’s up from the 975 pounds collected by all three departments last October, and 918 pounds collected in April 2022.
Old prescription and over-the-counter drugs are accepted via special drop boxes year-round at all local law enforcement agencies, but special take-back events are held each April and October.
The annual take-back events are sponsored by the Department of Justice. It’s an effort to prevent abuse of old prescription and over-the-counter medicines, or their improper disposal in the public water supply.
In 2021, the Portage Co. collection totaled about 2,400 pounds between spring and fall events, helping Wisconsin rank number one in the nation for collecting the most OTC and prescription medicines.
According to Attorney General Josh Kaul, the Badger State collected 57,377 pounds of unwanted or leftover medications during last October’s take-back.
Since the program began in 2001, Wisconsin has collected 980,854 pounds of unused or unwanted over-the-counter and prescription medicine, Kaul said.
Accepted Items
Pills
Syrups
Salves
Creams
Capsules
Items not accepted
Inhalers
Oxygen Tanks
Nebulizers
Sharps
Radioactive Cancer Medication
