Fall 2016 Prescription Drug Take Back Event Nets 1,588 lbs. of Medications

Fall 2016 Prescription Drug Take Back Event Nets 1,588 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 October 22, 2016 for citizens to turn in expired or unwanted human and pet medication.

An estimated 1,588 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals were collected and safely disposed of via incineration. 9 drop-off sites that participated in the Fall Medication Take Back included Auburndale Police Department, Bartow Police Department, Davenport Police Department, Haines City Police Department, Lake Alfred Police Department, Lake Hamilton Police Department, Lakeland Police Department, Lake Wales Police Department, and Winter Haven Police Department.

The latest event brings the total for collections held in Polk County to nearly 10,000 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.