Fall National Prescription Drug Take Back Nets 1,135.6 lbs. of Medications

Fall National Prescription Drug Take Back
Nets 1,135.6 lbs. of Medications

StandUP Polk and local law enforcement agencies were proud to participate in the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back event this past Saturday, October 23 for Polk County residents to turn in expired or unwanted human and pet medications.

Polk County agencies collected an estimated 1,135.6 pounds of pharmaceuticals that were safely disposed of via incineration. The drop-off sites that participated in the 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, 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 24,728.8 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals dating back to 2010. 

Unwanted medications may also be taken to the county’s six permanent drop sites, funded by Givewell Community Foundation in Lakeland, 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).  Please note: only solids are accepted in permanent drop boxes – no liquids or syringes. Do not dispose of medication in the toilet to avoid harming lakes and ground water. 

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.