WISCONSIN — Wisconsin was number one in the nation for most prescription medications collected during the spring 2024 Drug Take Back Day, according to the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ).

The state collected 55,122 pounds of unwanted medications during the spring event.

“Because of Wisconsinites who safely disposed of their unwanted medications, Wisconsin’s remarkable success with the Drug Take Back program has continued,” said Attorney General Josh Kaul. “Thanks to everyone who helped make the safe disposal of more than 55,000 more pounds of unused medication possible.”

The Wisconsin DOJ has previously reported that Wisconsin ranked second in the nation for most prescription medications collected during the spring 2024 Drug Take Back Day. However, based on a correction to he United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) data, Wisconsin has moved up to the first in the nation when it came to collecting unwanted medications this spring. The update was shared on May 28. 

Wisconsin also ranked number one in the country for the 2023 fall Drug Take Back Day.

Since Drug Take Back began in 2010, Wisconsin has collected 1,257,161 pounds of unwanted medications. Nationwide, over 18 million pounds have been collected via Drug Take Back days since 2010. The Badger State ranks third overall in the nation for most medications collected since the inception. It falls behind Texas and California.

There are two Drug Take Back days hosted every year by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. One is in the spring and another is in the fall.

In Wisconsin, the DOJ and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services partner up to organized and promote the days. It’s a way for Wisconsinites to safety disposed of unwanted medications and educate the community about potential abuse or consequences of improper storage.

Even though Drug Take Back days happen twice a year, unwanted prescriptions can be dropped at one of Wisconsin’s 490 permanent drug disposal boxes any time of the year.