Law enforcement agencies and businesses across the county set up drop off locations for last weekend’s National Drug Take Back Day.

The Greene County Sheriff’s Office and Prescription Drug and Medicine Abuse Task Force held their fifth collection date Saturday.  A total of 113 pounds of medications were collected between 10am and 2pm at the law enforcement center, along with a quantity of needles.

Sheriff Tom Heater says some people brought in just one prescription bottle, while others dropped off bags filled with medications, lotions, ointments and creams.  The drop off site was a free zone – meaning no questions were asked about any of the items turned in.  All dropped off times were then picked up by a Drug Enforcement Administration agent and incinerated.

If you missed out on the drug drop off day there are still options available for safe disposal.  The Jefferson Hy-Vee Drug Store accepts unused pills – but controlled narcotic substances are not accepted.

Alternative destruction techniques are to mix the unwanted drugs in with used coffee filters or kitty litter to make it unappealing to children and pets and then dispose of it in the trash.  Used needles can be place into a hard plastic container – such as a laundry soap bottle – then taped shut, labeled Sharts and throw in the garbage.

Collection totals from Dallas and Guthrie Counties were not immediately available.