2,500 pounds of unwanted medication turned in to police in Madison County
On Jan. 14, deputies from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office made its second drop off in regard to the recent “Rx 4 Safety” prescription drug initiative.
In April, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office obtained certification and approval for grant funding, with the assistance of Madison County Planning and Development, that allows the transport and disposal of medications.
Sheriff John D. Lakin, in partnership with all the police chiefs of Madison County, in this second collection, have took in more than 1,300 pounds of prescription and over-the-counter medications. These medications have been disposed of at a federally regulated location, approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In July, more than 1,200 pounds were delivered, bringing the county’s to-date total to over 2,500 pounds.
The collective effort is meant to protect the environment from the improper disposal of medications/drugs and also to keep prescription medications from being ingested accidentally, stolen or misused.
How to Get Rid of Unwanted Medications
Where: Secured drop-off bins are located at the Alton, Bethalto, Collinsville, East Alton, Edwardsville, Granite City, Highland, Roxana, SIUE, Troy, and Wood River police departments and Madison County Sheriff’s Office.
When: Drop-off locations are available to the citizens 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Accepted Items: Any over-the-counter medications, vitamins, liquids, narcotics, cough syrup, prescription medicines, hormones, painkillers, antibiotics, ointments, oils, and any unidentified pills.
Unaccepted Items: Oxygen tanks, asthma inhalers, mercury thermometers, hearing aids, household waste, and sharps or needles.
This story was originally published January 22, 2016 at 5:43 AM with the headline "2,500 pounds of unwanted medication turned in to police in Madison County."