From Lisa Thibodeau
Chisago County Environmental Services/Zoning
The Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC)  announced that Chisago County has won the prestigious “2009 County Conservation Award” for its innovative “Unwanted Medications Disposal Program.” 

Each year AMC, along with the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, gives an award to a Minnesota County in recognition for its leadership, innovation and excellence in protecting or improving their natural resources. 

County board members and staff will be attending the AMC annual awards banquet Dec. 7 in Minneapolis to receive the award.

Chisago County’s Unwanted Medications Disposal Program provides a safe and secure method for county residents to dispose of unwanted prescriptions, over-the-counter, and veterinary drugs. 

In the past, people have been encouraged to flush unwanted drugs, but with this program they can be dropped off at the County Sheriff’s Department and the North Branch Police Department.  The drugs are then sent out for incineration utilizing the latest pollution prevention equipment instead of passing through to the lakes and rivers of the county. 

The program helps cut down on water pollution, but also makes these unwanted drugs less available to those who may abuse these drugs.

 The program is a unique partnership between Chisago County’s Department of Environmental Services/Zoning and the Sheriff’s Department.

 The program is overseen by Sergeant Karl Schreck who said “Chisago County was the first to put all the pieces together and make permanent unwanted medications collection program work. 

“The program has pulled environmental and law enforcement together, bringing together citizen groups, anti-drug groups, pharmacists, and concerned citizens throughout Minnesota and other states to address this issue.  We are creating change and bringing attention to a major issue which is resulting in legislation to help protect the environment and make our youth safer. 

“If this program can help prevent one child from an overdose, prevent one child from criminal prosecution for selling drugs, or prevent one water source from contamination, we have prevailed in our efforts.  There is no formula for these cost savings; they are the priceless benefits of our program.” 

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