By: UWPD Community Officer Jeff Kirchman
It’s time to clean out the medicine cabinet.
Each spring and fall, the federal Drug Enforcement Agency sponsors national prescription medication Take Back events. In April, there will be three opportunities to turn in old, expired, or unneeded prescription medications on campus.
University Health Service will host two events:
- Tuesday, April 21: Dejope Residence Hall – 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Thursday, April 23: Nicholas Recreation Center (“The Nic”) – 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The School of Pharmacy will have their own event on Thursday, April 23:
- Health Sciences Learning Center – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (bonus: a free donut to anyone who drops off medications, while supplies last!)
Since 2010, the Take Back program has collected hundreds of tons of unused medications from thousands of sites across the U.S. The program provides a safe – and anonymous – way to ensure these items stay out of our landfills and waterways.
Important information about Take Back events:
- Tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs are accepted.
- Liquids (e.g., cough syrup) must be sealed tightly in their original containers.
- Vaping devices or cartridges are accepted only if the lithium batteries are removed.
- Needles, sharps, syringes, illegal drugs (Schedule 1), mercury thermometers, and hazardous waste are not allowed.
- The program is anonymous; no questions are asked, and no identification is required.
- It is recommended to remove or black out personal health information on medications before disposal.
- Pills can be dropped in their original bottles or in a clear, sealed plastic bag.
If you are unable to attend any of the planned Take Back events, you can also safely dispose of medications at the UWPD MedDrop Box in the UW-Madison Police Department lobby at 1429 Monroe Street. The box is accessible 24/7/365.