Wisconsin 3rd in nation with drug disposal program

MADISON, Wis. (WKBT) — Wisconsin collected more unused medications than Minnesota, Michigan, and Iowa combined during Drug Take Back events held April 28, 2018.

Only Texas and California collected more unused drugs and medications.

Attorney General Brad Schimel announced that 63,541 pounds of unused medications were collected at nearly 390 permanent drug collection receptacles located throughout the state.

Since 2015, the Wisconsin DOJ has collected and disposed of 401,769 pounds of unwanted medications.

Watch below to see how more than 60,000 pounds of unused medications are processed:

“Since my first day as attorney general, I have prioritized prevention because I know it is the key to stopping the opioid epidemic,” said Attorney General Schimel. “If more and more people continue to get hooked on these dangerous drugs, no amount of enforcement or treatment will put a stop to this public health crisis. But the success of Drug Take Back Day is proof positive that more people in Wisconsin are understanding their role in preventing the opioid epidemic from getting worse, and Wisconsin is on the right track.”

Statewide, 312 police and sheriffs’ departments hosted 163 Drug Take Back events on April 28. Across the state, law enforcement agencies, pharmacies, and hospitals have provided 390 permanent drug disposal drop boxes, giving citizens a convenient, environmentally-friendly, and anonymous way to dispose of unused medications all year long.

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