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Chisago County's Waste Medicine Disposal Program was one of several governmental innovations that were honored at a Humphrey Institute awards ceremony April 7.

The Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs annually spotlights special efforts or unique ideas being put forward in the public sector; the awards this year ranged from White Bear Lake Center for the Arts collaborating with White Bear Lake school district on providing professional watercolor lessons for students-- to a unique substance abuse treatment program designed only for stimulant-abusers, in a region encompassing Dodge-Freeborn-Olmstead counties.

Chisago County Environmental Services Director Mary Darragh-Schmitz said the awards event was very nicely done, and was educational. It was thrilling to be recognized and be able to share details about the county's drug takeback program with others.

There are controlled drug disposal sites at the Government Center in Center City (by the sheriff's offices) and at the North Branch City Hall (North Branch Police supervise this drop box.) The disposal drop boxes are available to the general public during regular business hours.

The drop-off is anonymous and you can be assured waste pharmaceutical products are being disposed of in an environmentally-sound manner. The county transports hundreds of pounds of waste products to a special incinerator annually.

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