Important Message from Senator Kohl: Safely Dispose Unwanted Prescription Drugs
September 25 (2010), Wisconsinites can safely dispose of their leftover and unwanted prescription drugs at one of over 85 collection points throughout our state as part of National Take-Back Day. National Take-Back Day will provide Americans with a safe and effective way for getting prescription drugs out of their homes, where they can pose a risk to children and families.
I have been particularly concerned with the issue of drug waste and disposal. As chairman of the Special Committee on Aging, I recently held a hearing to highlight the health and safety risks associated with both improper disposal and the lack of disposal options for consumers. Having leftover drugs around the house is a significant safety risk and, in some cases, fosters prescription drug abuse and fuels black market trade. However, throwing drugs away in the home or flushing them down the toilet can result in water contamination. A 2002 U.S. Geological Survey study of 139 bodies of water in 30 states found that over 80 percent of the water samples were contaminated by personal care products, including prescription drugs.
My colleagues and I welcomed witnesses from Wisconsin and Maine, who talked about two successful programs that collect and dispose of excess medications. Unfortunately, many similar programs nationwide are prohibited from accepting the most dangerous types of controlled medication by provisions in the Controlled Substance Act. These great programs are unable to achieve their missions because of a law intended to keep dangerous drugs off the streets. While we understand there is a risk that drugs can fall into the wrong hands on their way to a drug disposal collection point, the fact is that the risk of that happening in the home is even greater.
I am actively working with the DEA to create a path forward that allows for the legal collection and disposal of all prescription drugs. National Take-Back Day represents the DEA’s latest efforts to address the problem, and I plan to continue collaborating with the DEA following Saturday’s initiative in order to put long-term drug disposal policies in place. I am also working with my colleague in the Senate, Susan Collins, on a bipartisan bill to encourage these types of programs in the future and reduce drug waste at a national level.
It is my hope that you and your fellow Wisconsinites take advantage of one of the over 85 prescription drug collection sites around the state this Saturday, September 25, the first ever National Take-Back Day. To find a collection site near you, go to http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/takeback/ and type in your zip code.
As always, I love hearing from my constituents. Please feel free to contact me about these or other issues.
Sincerely,
