A prescription drug take-back program is planned for the end of the month in Cole County.
Cole County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy John Wheeler said the event will be held April 30 at Cole County Public Water Supply District 4, 7712 Route M.
Residents can drop off unused pills and see them destroyed from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Deterra Drug Deactivation System is being used again this year.
The system is a bag into which the pills are dumped, water is added, the bags are sealed and thrown away.
The Deterra bags contain activated carbon, also used in municipal water purification, as an absorbent for chemicals. In solution, it can safely deactivate medications, making the bags safe to be dumped into landfills.
“Juveniles using prescription pills remains a big concern for us,†Wheeler said. “It’s not safe for pills to be flushed down the toilet or left in medicine cabinets where children can get a hold of them. Drugs have a lifespan and can become dangerous if not disposed of in a timely manner.â€
The water district, Sheriff’s Department and Missouri Rural Water Association are sponsoring the event.