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Medicine Collection
DISPOSAL OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
Managing unused medications is a safety as well as an environmental concern. Traditionally, we flushed unwanted medications down the drain or toilet rather than keeping them so they would not be misused by someone else who was not prescribed the medication and who might use the drugs recreationally or taken accidentally by a child or other individual. Although effective in removing the medication from potentially being misused, flushing creates a new and growing problem in the environment. Antibiotics and other medications in a septic system can destroy beneficial bacteria necessary for the system to operate.
Further, wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove or process many compounds found in medications. This means they end up being discharged into surface and ground water, with medications thrown in the trash assuming the same fate. National attention is growing to develop more appropriate methods of safely disposing of old, unwanted medications.
Federal Guidelines for the Proper Disposal of Prescription Drugs
Do not flush prescription drugs down the toilet or drain unless the label or accompanying patient information specifically instructs you to do so. For information on drugs that should be flushed, visit the FDA’s website.
To dispose of prescription drugs not labeled to be flushed, you should take advantage of community drug take-back events or other programs, such as household hazardousAnything that involves danger waste collection events that collect drugs at a central location for proper disposal. At this time, most law enforcement agencies and some pharmacies in the area also have a drop box where prescription medications may be disposed.
Medicine Collection for Households
Collection Day Events
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ), in conjunction with state and local law enforcement agencies, coordinates drug take-back initiativesThe ability to assess and initiate things independently. throughout the state of Wisconsin. DOJ intends to hold a minimum of two collections per year, typically in April and October. For more information on the dates and locations of these events, please see the DOJ and DHS website.
What to bring
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medications
- Ointments, patches and creams
- Non-aerosol Sprays and inhalers
- Vape pens and e-cigarette devices (**Remove Batteries**)
- Pet medications
What Not to Bring
- Illegal Drugs
- Iodine containing medications
- Biohazard Materials
- Needles/Sharps – Sharps Disposal Information
- Personal care products (shampoo, soaps, lotions, sunscreen)
- Vape pens or e-cigarettes with built-in battery
- Aerosol cans or other household hazardousAnything that involves danger waste
- Mercury thermometers
How to Package Your Items
- Keep all medication in original bottles.
- Cross out your name but leave the name of the medication.
- Put medications in a sealed bag.
Drop Boxes
In coordination with Focus on Community, Racine County has multiple drop boxes for unwanted medications at the following locations:
| No | Department | Location | Phone | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aurora Pharmacy - Burlington | 252 McHenry Street Burlington, WI 53105 | 262-767-6004 | |
| 2 | Aurora Pharmacy - Mt. Pleasant | 13250 Washington Avenue Mt Pleasant, WI 53177 | 262-799-8400 | |
| 3 | Aurora Pharmacy - Racine | 8400 Washington Ave, Racine, WI 53406 | 262-884-4030 | |
| 4 | Aurora Pharmacy - Union Grove | 4310 67th Drive Union Grove, WI 53182 | 262-878-1171 | |
| 5 | Burlington Town Hall & Police Dept. | 32288 Bushnell Road Burlington, WI 53105 | 262-763-3070 | |
| 6 | Caledonia Police Department | 5045 Chester Ln, Caledonia, WI 53402 | 262-835-4423 | |
| 7 | City of Burlington Police Department | 224 E. Jefferson Street, Burlington | 262-342-1100 | |
| 8 | City of Racine Police Department | 730 Center Street, Racine | 262-635-7751 | |
| 9 | Mt. Pleasant Police Department | 8811 Campus Drive, Mt. Pleasant | 262-884-0454 | |
| 10 | Sturtevant Village Hall | 2801 89th Street, Sturtevant | 262-886-7211 | |
| 11 | Union Grove Municipal Building | 925 15th Avenue, Union Grove | 262-878-1818 | |
| 12 | Walgreens - Racine | 1920 Douglas Ave, Racine, WI 53402 | 262-633-4948 | |
| 13 | Walgreens - Racine | 5005 Douglas Avenue Racine, WI 53402 | 262-639-9241 | |
| 14 | Walgreens - Racine | 4810 Washington Avenue, Racine | 262-635-0181 | |
| 15 | Wind Point Village Office | 215 E. Four Mile Road Racine, WI 53402 | 262-639-3524 |
If you have questions or would like more information
Environmental Health Division
PublicHealth@CityofRacine.org
262-636-9203
