The Waukesha County Drug Free Communities Coalition coordinates an annual drug collection to dispose of unused and expired controlled and uncontrolled substances. The goals of gathering unused medication include reducing prescription drug abuse, preventing accidental poisonings, protection of local waterways, and raising awareness of the dangers or prescription drug abuse.

The first collection occurred on October 3, 2009. Collection sites were held at Elm Grove (Pilgrim Park Middle School), Menomonee Falls (Community Memorial Hospital), Pewaukee (WCTC), Waukesha (Waukesha West High School) and Oconomowoc (Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital). 

The second collection occurred on May 8, 2010.  Collection sites were located at Brookfield (Ruby Isle Shopping Center), Menomonee Falls (Community Memorial Hospital), Pewaukee (WCTC), Waukesha (Waukesha State Bank), Mukwonago (ProHealth Care in Mukwonago) and Oconomowoc (Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital).

Our most recent collection was held on May 14, 2011. The six sites from our second collection agreed to collaborate again with Drug Free Communities and were instrumental in executing this third event.

Altogether, 465 volunteers donated 1761 hours to collect over 12,000 pounds of old, unused prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications from 6,752 households during the three collections. In addition to in-kind support, $30,000 in sponsor donations and $6,000 in individual donations were collected to support the three events. Funds were also brought in through a Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Clean Sweep grant.

FACT SHEET

Click here to view our fact sheet about the first two collections.

MENOMONEE FALLS VILLAGE VOICES

Click here to view the Menomonee Falls Village Voices video segment regarding the Drug Collection.

In order for the Drug Free Communities Coalition to continue offering this service to the community at no charge to participants, we need additional sponsors. Please consider joining us as a community sponsor or through an individual donation. For more information on how to contribute please contact the DFC office by email at DrugFreeCommunities@waukeshacounty.gov or by phone at 262-896-8263.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q: When is the next Waukesha County DFC Drug Collection and Awareness Day?

A:  Drug Free Communities sponsors an annual collection in the spring. Our next collection is tentatively scheduled for April 28th, 2012, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Please see above for locations of the seven sites around Waukesha County. Sites cannot begin to collect medications until after the listed start time and cannot accept medications after the listed end time. Please check back occasionally for updates and more information.

Q: Do you need to sign up or register ahead of time?

A: You do not need to register ahead of time. This event is a drive through drop off system, so please remain in your car and hand your medications to the collector. It is a very simple and quick process for those dropping off medications.

Q: How should I drop off my medications?

A: Please leave all medications in the original bottle or packaging with the name of the medication clearly visible. This is to assist the pharmacists with sorting the various medications. You may cross out the individual's name and presciption number on the container with permanent marker or scratch it off, otherwise we will cross it out during the collection.

Q: Where can sharps be disposed?

A: Please see the attached list for information about local sites where sharps can be disposed. Sharps Collection Sites

Q: Where can I dispose of other hazardous materials not available for drop off during the Drug Collection?

A: Please see the flyer and brochure below for more information about hazardous waste collection in Waukesha County.

Hazardous Waste Brochure
Hazardous Waste Special One-Day Collection Dates

Q: How is the Drug Collection and Awareness event funded?

A: This event is funded through various grants and donations from businesses and individuals. No tax dollars are spent to support this collection. Please consider donating to help sustain this event. If you would like to support the collection, please send a check (note “Drug Collection” in memo area) to: 

Waukesha County UW Cooperative Extension
ATTN: Office Services Coordinator
515 West Moreland Blvd. AC G22
Waukesha, WI 53188

Community Partner: