The Boone County Sheriff’s Department collected more than 500 pounds of pills as part of its Prescription Drug Take Back program.
Using eight sites across the county Oct. 28 to 29, the program saw a record turnout with 505 pounds of medication collected. Last April, the program collected just 174.
“The word is finally getting out,” Maj. Tom Reddin said. “This is only the fourth time we’ve had this event.”
While working alongside the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Take Back program encourages people to turn in medication that is expired or that they no longer need. In doing so, participants ensure that their leftover pills are disposed of properly, which prevents drugs from falling into the wrong hands or damaging the environment.
Reddin said it is a priority to prevent the redistribution and abuse of prescription drugs among youth.
“They are becoming the most prevalent,” he said.
According to the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 14.6 percent of full-time students between the ages of 18 and 22 use prescription drugs for non-medical use.
Study drugs like Adderall have increased in popularity on college campuses. The study also found the same group is twice as likely to abuse Adderall than their counterparts who are not full-time students.
To combat the trend, campuses across the country have held their own pill take-backs.
MU’s collection site at Memorial Union received between 12 and 15 pounds of medication, Reddin said.
Sites at Hickman and Rock Bridge high schools had the highest turnout, receiving 225 and 139 pounds, respectively.
Boone County residents still have other opportunities to dispose of their medication properly. The Columbia Police Department has a drop box year-round located in its lobby.
Additionally, people can dispose of the medication themselves by mixing the pills in a bottle with baking soda and water. With cat litter added that mixture, the compound becomes safe enough to throw away.
Reddin said Columbia’s landfill is lined, which ensures the medication won’t contaminate the earth.
He said motivation does not matter, whether it is wanting to protect the environment or prevent drug abuse.
“We just want people to use proper burial techniques,” he said.