Saturday is prescription drug take-back day

(Waupun) A number of Dodge County agencies will be participating in “Prescription Drug Take Back Day” this Saturday, October 26th. Residents are advised to bring all unwanted, unnecessary and expired medications to their local law enforcement agency for proper disposal.

The goal is to prevent the drugs from falling into the wrong hands, as authorities say misusing prescription drugs can lead to more serious addictions. Waupun Police Chief Jeremy Rasch explains what happens when the prescription medications are picked up.

“And the [Department of Justice] “Essentially…in our region…a huge box truck is full of prescription medications…it’s impressive how many boxes fit in there,” Rasch said. “And then they take it to an incinerator over there…I think it's in Barron County, Wisconsin, I think it's the only one in the state…and then it all gets burned.”

Rasch added that a medication drop-off box is available year-round in Waupun.

“We have a collection box at our police department… there's also one at Waupun Memorial Hospital,” Rasch said. “So anyone can come during the day…if you need to come in the evening, an officer has to open the door to let you get into our lobby…but we collect year-round.”

The Dodge County Sheriff's Office in Juneau will have a staffed collection point in the lower lobby, located at 124 West Street. The public can drop off over-the-counter medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

All solid, non-liquid medications should be removed from 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 biohazardous materials are among the items that will not be accepted. There are no costs for disposing of the medication.

Click HERE to find a collection point near the year.