Waukesha Times

The Waukesha County Sheriff's Department will host a Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 26, 2024, as part of an effort to combat the opioid epidemic. This event is organized in cooperation with the City of Pewaukee, the Village of Sussex, the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The event will take place at two locations: Metro Market in Sussex and Walmart in Pewaukee from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Attorney General Josh Kaul emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "Drug Take Back Day provides a great opportunity to safely dispose of your unused and unwanted medications." He encouraged residents to participate by bringing their unwanted medications for safe disposal.

The initiative aims to address prescription medication abuse in Wisconsin by offering a secure method for disposing of medications while educating the community about potential abuse risks. Residents can find their nearest drug disposal location at www.doseofrealitywi.gov.

Officials warn against flushing or pouring unused medicine down drains since water reclamation facilities cannot remove all pharmaceuticals. Trace amounts have been detected in rivers and lakes.

The guidelines specify that only household-generated waste pharmaceuticals are accepted; businesses are not permitted to participate. Accepted items include prescription (controlled and non-controlled) and over-the-counter medications, ointments, patches, inhalers, non-aerosol sprays, creams, vials, pet medications, vape pens or other e-cigarette devices (with batteries removed). Items not accepted include illegal drugs, needles/sharps, acids, aerosol cans, bio-hazardous materials containing bodily fluids or blood), personal care products like shampoo and lotions), household hazardous waste such as paint or pesticides), mercury thermometers.

Participants can dispose of solid medications by removing them from containers before placing them directly into disposal boxes or clear sealable plastic bags. Blister packages without medication removal are acceptable. Liquids must be in original packaging for acceptance during this initiative.

Illicit substances like marijuana or methamphetamine should not be placed in collection containers as they are not part of this initiative. Community members are reminded that many drug disposal boxes remain open year-round for convenience.