Wisconsin collects over 60,000 pounds of unused drugs

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) – Wisconsin collected 60,257 pounds of unused medications at Drug Take Back events on Saturday, October 28 at nearly 350 permanent drug collection receptacles located throughout the state. Wisconsin collected more unused medications than Illinois and Indiana combined.

“Wisconsin families heard the message – the opioid epidemic starts in your medicine cabinet – and they got to work collecting and disposing of unused and unwanted medications at permanent drug disposal boxes throughout our state,” said Attorney General Schimel. “And without the help of the DEA, local law enforcement, hospitals, and pharmacies, Drug Take Back Day wouldn’t have been nearly as successful. Communities are engaged in fighting the opioid epidemic, and they’re making sure these powerful medications don’t fall into the hands of someone struggling with or prone to addiction.”

Statewide, 266 police and sheriffs’ departments hosted more than 130 Drug Take Back events on October 28, and have provided 349 permanent drug disposal drop boxes, giving citizens a convenient, environmentally-friendly, and anonymous way to dispose of unused medications all year long. Proper drug disposal is essential to preventing prescription painkiller abuse. Research has shown that 70% of initial painkiller abuse starts when drugs are obtained improperly from family members or friends.

The preliminary weight of 60,257 lbs. of prescription drugs have been boxed, palletized, shrink wrapped, and secured in three Fuchs Trucking semi-trailers for transportation to Covanta Energy Corporation in Indianapolis, where the drugs will be incinerated. An official weight will be assigned by Covanta Energy prior to destruction.

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