MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) today announced that Wisconsin ranked number one throughout the country for the most prescription medications collected during the Spring 2025 Drug Take Back collection. Wisconsin collected 56,818 lbs. of unwanted medications this spring.
“Drug Take Back continues to be a major success in Wisconsin,” said Attorney General Josh Kaul. “Thank you to the many people who’ve helped get unused and unwanted medications disposed of safely.”
Wisconsin has collected a total of 1,369,472 lbs. of unwanted medications since Drug Take Back began in 2010 under the leadership of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Wisconsin ranks third in the nation for the most medications collected since inception, falling only behind Texas with 1,517,042 lbs. and California with 1,463,929 lbs. collected. Nationwide, since inception, 19,820,761 lbs. of unwanted medications have been collected during Drug Take Back events.
The DEA leads two Drug Take Back days a year, one in the spring and one in the fall. DOJ partners with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) to organize and promote Drug Take Back throughout Wisconsin. Drug Take Back provides a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposal, while also educating the community about the potential abuse and consequences of improper storage and disposal of these medications.
Wisconsin’s Drug Take Back events are supported in part by Fuchs Trucking, Reworld, the Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs, Waukesha County, Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office, and all participating local law enforcement agencies.
While Drug Take Back Day only happens twice a year, any day can be Drug Take Back Day at one of Wisconsin’s more than 500 permanent drug disposal boxes. These boxes are accessible year-round at law enforcement agencies, hospitals, pharmacies and health clinics. To find a permanent drug disposal box near you, go to: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/permanent-drug-drop-boxes.htm.
