Safe Disposal of Medications

Illustrated instructions for medication dropboxes

Please do not...

Please do not flush medications or any pharmaceuticals down any drain or dispose of them in any garbage.  Unused and unwanted medication should be taken to a drop-box location for collection and proper disposal.  Please empty pills from their original containers into a sealed bag.  See below for more details on what we can and cannot accept in the drop box program.  Please also take note of the Drug Repository Program, that allows you to donate unused and unexpired drugs to patients in need.  Find out more here.

drop-box locations:

Athens Police Department: 203 Alfred Street, Athens, WI M - F 7:30 am - 11:30 am, 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Colby/Abbortsford Police Department: 12 W Spruce Street Abbotsford, WI. If traveling a long distance, it is suggested you call 715-223-4944 first.                     M - F 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.  No holiday drop-off.

Edgar Police Department: 224 S 3rd Ave Edgar, WI M & W 8:15 am - 7:00 pm, T, TH, & F 8:15 am - 4:45 pm

Kronenwetter Police Department: 1582 Kronenwetter Dr. Kronenwetter, WI.   24/7, 365 days a year in public entrance area.

Marshfield Clinic Mosinee Pharmacy: 390 Orbiting Dr., Mosinee, WI 54455. Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m (715) 693-9100

Marshfield Clinic Wausau Pharmacy: 2727 Plaza Dr, Wausau, WI 54481. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (715) 847-3302

Marathon City - Village of Marathon City Police Department: 311 Walnut Street, Marathon, WI. Mon-Fri, 7am - 4pm in lobby. No holiday drop off.

Marshfield Clinic Weston Remote Dispensing: 3400 Ministry Pkwy (Medical Offices A - Entrance 1), Weston, WI 54476. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (715) 393-1000

Mosinee Police Department: 225 Main St Mosinee, WI M - F 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Mountain Bay Metropolitan Police Department: 211 Grand Ave. Rothschild, WI.  Open 24/7, 365 days a year in public entrance area.

Spencer Police Department: 105 S Park Street, Spencer, WI. M - F 8:00 am - 5:00 pm in lobby. No holiday drop off.

Stratford Police Department: 265 N 3rd Ave Stratford, WI M - F 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Wausau Police Department: 515 Grand Ave. Wausau, WI.   M - F 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. Drop slot in public lobby area.  No holiday drop-off.

Wausau - Aspirus Wausau Hospital – Main Entrance: 333 Pine Ridge Blvd., Wausau, WI 54401. Available during Visitor Hours. (715) 847-2121

Wausau - Walgreens Pharmacy: 105 Central Bridge St, Wausau, WI 54401. Only pills, No creams, powders or lotions. Available during Normal Store Hours. 715-845-8279

Wausau - CVS Pharmacy: 102 Central Bridge St, Wausau, WI 54401. Pills only, no creams, powders, lotions. Available during Pharmacy Hours. 715-842-0744

Marathon County Medication Drop-Box Program brochure (click here)

WHY USE A MEDICATION
DROP-BOX?

PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT: Studies have found traces of pharmaceuticals in wastewater throughout the United States.  Even after wastewater is treated and discharged, these medications persist in the environment.  Preventing them from entering these ecosystems will maintain the integrity, diversity, and value of our natural resources.

INCREASE PUBLIC SAFETY: According to the National Survey on Drug Abuse & Health, 70% of those 12 years & older who abuse non-medical painkillers are obtained through a friend or relative, both legally and illegally.

IMPROVE PUBLIC HEALTH: Throwing unused or unwanted medications in the trash, or leaving them out, can lead to dangerous unintended exposure to people or animals. Treat and store both prescription and over-the-counter drugs like any other poison. 

DROP-BOX RULES:

YES to the following:

  • Over-the-counter or prescription drugs

  • Prescription creams and lotions can be included. Leave those in their original packaging.

  • Inhalers

NO to the following: 

  • Radioactive chemo drugs or IV bags

  • Needles or syringes

    • However, more information on needles or syringes can be found on our Sharps page.

  • Personal care products - shampoo, lotion

    • However, these items should be used up as much as possible. Properly dispose of its container.

  • Vitamins

    • However, you can dispose of them in your trash. Crush them up and mix with something undesirable (such as coffee grounds) to ensure that no small children or animals will find and consume them.

  • Garbage or trash.

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