Law enforcement agencies and health departments across Vilas and Oneida counties will join the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Wisconsin Department of Justice for the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m..

This initiative provides a free, safe, and anonymous way for residents to dispose of expired, unused, and unwanted medications to prevent substance misuse and theft.

The primary Vilas County collection site will be held in the lobby of the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office. The Vilas County Public Health Department and the Vilas County Youth Coalition are partnering to offer unique services for local residents, including the disposal of sharps.

Unlike many other sites, this location will accept sharps, including needles, syringes, lancets, auto-injectors, and infusion sets. The Vilas County Youth Coalition also will provide free lock bags, lock boxes, and medication deactivation bags to the public.

For more information, contact Caroline Thompson at Vilas County Public Health, 715-479-3657.

Oneida collection sites

In Oneida County, multiple police departments and the sheriff’s office will host drop-off locations to assist citizens in cleaning out their medicine cabinets. Items can be dropped off at: Minocqua Police Department, 418 E. Chicago Ave.; Rhinelander Police Department, 201 N. Brown St.; Three Lakes Police Department, 1795 Erie St.; or Oneida County Landfill, 7450 Highway K in Rhinelander.

Oneida County residents with questions may contact Officer Devon Gaszak (Minocqua PD), Captain Young (Oneida County Sheriff’s Office), Chief Josh Chiamulera (Rhinelander PD), or Chief Lea (Three Lakes PD). Additionally, the Oneida County Public Health Department has made lock boxes available at these sites. For inquiries, call 715-369-6111.

Accepted and prohibited items

To ensure a smooth process, participants are asked to follow certain guidelines. Accepted items include: prescription (controlled and non-controlled) and over-the-counter medications; capsules, pills, patches, ointments, and creams.; non-aerosol sprays, inhalers, vials, and pet medications; and vape pens (batteries must be removed).

Officials note that liquids, creams, and sprays must remain in their original packaging. Liquids not in their original bottle will not be accepted. Participants are asked to empty pills from bottles into collection boxes, though blister packages are acceptable.

Prohibited items include: illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana or methamphetamine); aerosol cans; bio-hazardous materials (anything containing blood or bodily fluids); personal care products (shampoos, soaps, lotions, sunscreens); and household hazardous waste (paint, pesticides, oil, gas).

Needles and sharps are only accepted at the Vilas County location. They will not be accepted at any Oneida County sites.

This event is designed to provide a convenient and responsible means of disposal while educating the community on the dangers of medication abuse.
For more information on the statewide initiative, visit doseofrealitywi.gov/drug-takeback or contact the agencies listed above.