When it comes to collecting unwanted and unused prescription drugs, the Michigan State Police Niles Post does it better than most.

The Niles Post gathered 36 pounds worth of prescription drugs during the state police’s National Prescription Drug Take-Day held on Saturday, Sept. 27.

Niles’ collection tied for the third most of all MSP Posts statewide.

“We have a box here open to the public at all times, so that was included in part of that total weight,” said Sgt. Claire Coulston, of MSP Niles. “Because we do it continuously, I think we would’ve had a higher number if it was just one day.”

A total of 515.7 pounds was collected across the state, with Brighton leading the way at 148 pounds collected. Tri-City was second with 43 pounds and Jackson finished tied for third with Niles at 36 pounds.

Coulston estimates that the Niles Post collects approximately 150 pounds of prescription drugs a year at their drop box, which is located inside the lobby of the Niles Law Enforcement Complex at 1600 Silverbrook, Ave., Niles.

The Niles Post will not accept liquids or needles.

Coulston stressed the importance of turning in unwanted prescription drugs.

“You want to dispose of them properly so that they don’t contaminate the ground or anything like that,” she said. “You also don’t want them to get into the wrong hands, or having people taking medicine that isn’t prescribed to them.”

The MSP partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other local law enforcement agencies for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day to provide a safe, convenient and responsible venue for citizens to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs.

All 29 MSP posts participated in the one-day effort by serving as drop-off points for citizens to discard expired, unused and unwanted medications for destruction. The service was free and anonymous with no questions asked.

 

Prescription drugs collected by posts in pounds:

Alpena — 17

Brighton — 148

Cadillac — 4.8

Calumet — 10

Caro — 17

Coldwater — 10

Flint — 1.5

Gaylord — 8.4

Gladstone — 12.4

Hart — 9

Houghton Lake — 30

Iron Mountain — 30

Jackson — 36

Lakeview — 12

Lansing — 5

Lapeer — 5

Metro — 0

Monroe — 18

Mt. Pleasant — 1

Negaunee — 8

Niles — 36

Paw Paw — 5.1

Rockford — 30

Sault Ste. Marie — 8

St. Ignace — 6.5

Tri-City — 43

Wakefield — 3

Wayland — 1

West Branch — 0