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After just one month of operation, Chisago County's "Unwanted Medication Disposal Program" took in nearly 100 pounds of medication for proper disposal. Deputy Karl Schreck said, "I would have to say the program is a success." Controlled substances, valued at over $5,000 street value, were removed from circulation.

In a unique program, the first of its kind, the Environmental Services Department and the Chisago County Sheriff's Department have partnered to take unwanted medications from county residents who used to dispose of the products in the waste stream. Eighty-four pounds of non-controlled medications were taken in, along with 10 pounds of controlled substances. Clean Harbors Environmental Services took the non-controlled medicines for proper disposal in their permitted hazardous waste incinerator where high temperatures, pollution control standards and equipment break the compounds down. The Sheriff's Department took controlled substances to the evidence room for later destruction.

This program was begun as a way to combat water pollution problems. In the past people were told to flush unused medications, but research shows that the toilet may be the least environmentally friendly method of disposal. Current technology at wastewater treatment plants does not remove drug compounds from wastewater. These compounds pass right through and are showing up in increasing frequency in our lakes, streams and rivers. Chronic environmental exposure to these drug compounds creates various problems in nature such as endocrine (hormone) disruption, antibiotic resistance, and reproductive effects including the feminization of male fish.

The county's medicine disposal box is in the basement of the Government Center, in Center City, next to the sheriff's office door. It is available during regular business hours, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information call 651-237-0912.

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