Collection brings in 4,596 pounds of unused meds in Waukesha County

Waukesha - In Waukesha County's recent drug collection effort throughout the county, nearly two pounds of unused or outdated medication was dropped off for every vehicle that showed up.

In all, 4,596 pounds of medications - most of it non-prescription items - were dropped off at a half dozen collection sites. A total of 292 pounds of prescription drugs, 154 pounds of inhalants and mercury thermometers, and 4,150 pounds of non-controlled substances were dropped off by about 2,300 vehicles.

The May 14 collection was sponsored by the Waukesha County Drug Free Communities Coalition. The aim of the program is to reduce prescription abuse, accidental poisonings and prevent pollution of waterways from drugs flushed down drains.

Since 2009 when the program began, three collections have been held and nearly six tons of medication has been collected for disposal.