JOPLIN, MO.-- The Joplin Drug Take Back Day program is adding up big numbers. The program collected more than 700 pounds last year alone. Joplin Police first installed a drop box at the main station back in 2011. That was so successful, a second one went in at the south substation.
The two sites average 56 pounds of unwanted drugs collected per month.The project keeps prescription medication out of the hands of those who would use them for recreational use. It also ensures drugs are disposed of properly.
"That's 700 pounds of medication that probably would have ended up in our water system at some point, we feel that's really been a very good thing, especially for our community that we're able to keep our water a little bit cleaner," says Lt. Matt Stewart, Joplin Police Department. Of course, Joplin isn't alone.
Several area police agencies have sponsored Drug Take Back Days, meaning the regional total is even higher than the 700 pounds in Joplin.
The two sites average 56 pounds of unwanted drugs collected per month.The project keeps prescription medication out of the hands of those who would use them for recreational use. It also ensures drugs are disposed of properly.
"That's 700 pounds of medication that probably would have ended up in our water system at some point, we feel that's really been a very good thing, especially for our community that we're able to keep our water a little bit cleaner," says Lt. Matt Stewart, Joplin Police Department. Of course, Joplin isn't alone.
Several area police agencies have sponsored Drug Take Back Days, meaning the regional total is even higher than the 700 pounds in Joplin.
