Unwanted/Expired Medication

Studies have shown that pharmaceuticals and personal care products are present in the environment. They have been detected in surface waters and groundwater. They can enter lakes and rivers directly through release from bathing/swimming and indirectly through wastewater and stormwater runoff. They can reach groundwater by seeping from septic systems or from waste water treatment disposal.  

Medications also pose human safety concerns including accidental poisonings, dosing errors, drug abuse and drug abuse-related crime. Inappropriate donations of pharmaceuticals may create disposal issues and other environmental problems for the recipients, particularly if the drugs are exported to other countries.

For information about how prescription drug abuse affects Wisconsin and what can be done about it, see the State Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse's 2012 report Reducing Wisconsin's Prescription Drug Abuse: A Call to Action

Thankfully Adams County and surrounding areas offer permanent medication drop-box locations for anonymous, safe and proper disposal.

Drop Box Locations