Weather Cooperates for Spring Pill Drop, Shredding Event
Mother Nature cooperated April 21 to make for a successful semi-annual Safe Pill Collection and Document Shredding event at the Madison County Landfill.
More than 165 pounds of medication were collected and almost three tons of documents were shredded at the event sponsored by the Madison County Department of Solid Waste, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and BRiDGES/MCCASA.
The fall event is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22.
On one of the first sunny days this spring, 92 families safely disposed of 165.8 pounds of medications. This included three pounds of controlled substances. Throughout the year, 490.4 pounds of medication have been collected at kiosks at the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Social Services bringing the total collected to 656.2 pounds – more than a quarter of a ton.
“The kiosks and events like the one April 21 help residents properly get rid of unwanted or outdated medication,” said Investigator Chad L. Chapman of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. “By making proper disposal more convenient, it helps in our fight against opioid abuse.”
About 260 county residents shredded 5,960 pounds of documents that included personal information at the free event.
“Madison County residents are always diligent in disposing of medication at these events, and we can’t thank our volunteers enough for making this spring’s event a success,” said James Zecca, Department of Solid Waste and Sanitation director. “We are proud to be able to partner with BRiDGES/MCCASA and the Sheriff’s Office to make proper disposal of medication and secure shredding convenient for our residents.”