Wood County residents can clear out medicine cabinets safely on Saturday, Oct. 24, as the statewide prescription drug take-back day returns.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the Wisconsin Department of Justice sponsor the statewide effort. Organizers say unused or expired medicines should never be flushed or poured down a drain, because those substances can reach the water supply.
In Wood County, local law enforcement is working with IMPACT Wood County and the Marshfield Area Coalition for Youth (MACY). Drop-off hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Marshfield City Hall and at the Pick 'n Save in Wisconsin Rapids, 9 a.m. to noon at the Pittsville Police Department, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Port Edwards Fire Department, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Town of Rome Police Department in Adams County.
Sites accept capsules, creams, inhalers, non-aerosol sprays, ointments, pills, patches, vials, liquids in their original containers, pet medications, and vape pens or other e-cigarette devices with the batteries removed. Aerosol cans, illegal drugs, mercury thermometers, personal care products and household hazardous waste are not accepted. Sharps are accepted only at the Marshfield site.
Anyone who misses Saturday's hours can still drop off unwanted medicines year-round at Wood County law enforcement agencies or at pharmacies with a disposal kiosk, including CVS in Wisconsin Rapids, Marshfield Clinic pharmacies and Walgreens in Wisconsin Rapids. For help with at-home disposal options or a lock box, contact Jacob at the Wood County Health Department at 715-421-8907.
