Waukon, Lansing and Postville to take part in National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day

The Northeast Iowa Drug Task Force, in cooperation with Helping Services of Northeast Iowa, is participating in National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day. This year's event is being held Saturday, September 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. nationwide for the purpose of disposing of expired and/or unused medications and keeping them out of the hands of people who may misuse or abuse them, especially youth.
Three communities in Allamakee County will be hosting drop-off locations for local residents to dispose of prescription drugs during that event timeframe. The Waukon Police Department will host a drop-off location at the new Waukon Fire Station, which is now located at 565 11th Avenue SW (just east of Shopko, Fareway and Dollar General) in Waukon. The fire station in Lansing will also be a host site at 51 North Front Street. The Postville Police Department will host a drop-off site at its City Hall location at 147 North Lawler Street, but only from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.
For the safety and privacy of those disposing of old and/or unused prescription medications, the following recommendations have been suggested:
• Keep all substances in their original containers, if possible.
• All liquid containers must be sealed in leak-proof clear plastic bags.
• Mark out any identifying information on prescription bottles.
• Unidentified medications will be accepted, with no questions asked.

ITEMS THAT WILL BE ACCEPTED
• Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications including vitamins, supplements or herbals.
• Needles, sharps, syringes with needles in puncture-proof containers.
• Thermometers in zip-lock or plastic bags.
• Aerosols or pressurized containers.

Additional drop-off sites throughout Iowa and the nation can be found at www.DEA.gov. Further information can also be found at that site or by contacting local law enforcement agencies.