State and local officials are encouraging residents to safely dispose of unused or expired medications during Wisconsin’s upcoming Drug Take Back Day.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, with more than 165 collection sites statewide and participation from over 265 law enforcement agencies. Leaders, including Josh Kaul, are expected to highlight the importance of preventing prescription drug misuse.

Unused medications left in homes can increase the risk of accidental ingestion and abuse. Officials also warn that throwing medications in the trash or flushing them can pose environmental risks, including the potential to contaminate soil and groundwater.

Drug Take Back Day offers a safe and anonymous way to dispose of those items.

In Door and Kewaunee counties, residents also have access to year-round drop-off locations, including the Door County Sheriff’s Office and the Kewaunee County Safety Building, along with sites in Sister Bay, Brussels, Algoma and Luxemburg.

Kewaunee County Sheriff Matt Joski said the effort is an important tool for protecting the community and the environment.

“This gives people a safe, easy way to get unused medications out of their homes,” Joski said. “When prescriptions sit around, they can be misused or fall into the wrong hands. Proper disposal also helps prevent harmful substances from ending up in our water.”

Joski added that prevention starts with simple steps.

“Taking a minute to dispose of medications properly can make a difference in keeping families safe,” he said.

Residents are advised to place pills in sealed bags before drop-off. Liquids, needles and other medical waste are not accepted.