Spring 2014 Prescription Drug Take Back Event Nets 1,059.88 LBS. of Pharmaceuticals

Polk County, FL - StandUP Polk, the Coalition for a Drug-Free Polk, and local law enforcement agencies were proud to participate in the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back event on April 26, 2014, and host our community’s Purge Your Pills Rx Drop Off for citizens to turn in unused, expired, or unwanted human and pet medication.

An estimated 1,059.88 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals were collected and safely disposed of via incineration. Drop-off sites included Auburndale Police Department, Bartow Police Department, Haines City Police Department, Lake Alfred Police Department, Lake Wales Police Department, Lakeland Police Department, and Winter Haven Police Department.

The latest event brings the total for collections held in Polk County to 6,483 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 permanent drop sites: Auburndale Police Dept. (2 Bobby Green Plaza, weekdays 8-5); Haines City Police Dept. (35400 Hwy 27, weekdays 8-5); Lake Alfred Police Dept. (190 N. Seminole Avenue, 24hrs/7days); Lakeland Police Dept. (219 N. Massachusetts Avenue, 24hrs/7days); or Winter Haven Police Dept. (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, the Coalition for a Drug-Free Polk, is a group of concerned citizens, law enforcement, community and business leaders working together to take a stand against drugs and bring about positive change for Polk County. For more information, please contact StandUP Polk at (863) 802-0777.