Spring 2016 Prescription Drug Take Back Event Nets 1,908.14 lbs. of Medications

Spring 2016 Prescription Drug Take Back Event 

                                   Nets 1,908.14 lbs. of Medications

Polk County, FL - StandUP Polk and local law enforcement agencies were proud to participate in the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back event on April 30, 2016 for citizens to turn in unused, expired, or unwanted human and pet medication.

An estimated 1,908.14 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals were collected and safely disposed of via incineration, exceeding the expected goal of 1,500 pounds. Drop-off sites included Auburndale Police Department, Davenport Police Department, Haines City Police Department, Lake Alfred Police Department, Lake Wales Police Department, Lake Hamilton Police Department, Lakeland Police Department, and Winter Haven Police Department.

The latest event brings the total for collections held in Polk County to nearly 8,400 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals dating back to 2010. All medications were safely disposed of via incineration. 

Unwanted medications may also be taken to the county’s six permanent drop sites at the Police Department locations in: Auburndale (2 Bobby Green Plaza, weekdays 8-5); Haines City (35400 Hwy 27, weekdays 8-5); Lake Alfred (190 N. Seminole Avenue, 24hrs/7days); Lake Hamilton (100 Smith Avenue, weekdays 8-5); Lakeland (219 N. Massachusetts Avenue, 24hrs/7days); and Winter Haven (125 N. Lake Silver Drive NW, weekdays 8-5).  To avoid harming lakes and ground water, please do not dispose of medication in the toilet.  

StandUP Polk is a community coalition working together to prevent harm and promote health through education, public awareness, and advocacy including strategies to prevent youth substance abuse. For more information, please contact StandUP Polk at (863) 802-0777.