Wisconsin's Drug Take Back was largest in US, Kaul says
MILWAUKEE - Attorney General Josh Kaul on Wednesday, Nov. 3 announced that during Drug Take Back Day on Oct. 23, Wisconsin collected a total of 57,377 pounds of unwanted medications – the largest Drug Take Back collection in the country.
"Thank you to the folks from across the state who made Wisconsin’s Drug Take Back the most successful in the nation," Kaul said in a news release. "By safely disposing of tens of thousands of pounds of unused and unwanted medications, Wisconsinites have ensured that those medications won’t be diverted for misuse."
Statewide, more than 260 law enforcement agencies participated in Drug Take Back Day, and disposed drugs were collected from drug disposal boxes at law enforcement agencies across the state.
SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
There are 497 permanent drug disposal boxes accessible year-round in Wisconsin at law enforcement agencies, hospitals, pharmacies and health clinics. To find a permanent drug disposal box near you, visit doseofrealitywi.gov.
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.
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul
Unused or expired medicine should never be flushed or poured down the drain. Water reclamation facilities are not designed to remove all of them, and trace amounts of pharmaceuticals are showing up in rivers and lakes.
The collected medications were boxed, palletized, shrink-wrapped and secured for transportation to Covanta Energy Corporation in Indianapolis, where the drugs will be incinerated.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android.
Featured
COVID vaccine for kids: Wisconsin DHS offers info, resources
The Wisconsin DHS on Wednesday, Nov. 3 announced that children 5-11 years old are now eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
Featured
Aaron Rodgers in COVID protocol, will not play against Chiefs
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has tested positive for COVID-19 and is out for Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Head Coach Matt LaFleur confirmed on Wednesday, Nov. 3.