Big Red Barrels are a proven best practice that responds to the growing problem of prescription drug abuse. Easy access to pain killers, stimulants, anti-depressants, cough syrup and other medicines are a factor in the rise of abuse. A Big Red Barrel allows people to remove unwanted and expired prescription drugs from their homes.

Medicine abuse is a dangerous and growing problem in our communities. In western Washtenaw County, 1 in 10 middle school students has used a prescription painkiller, without a doctor’s prescription (Source: 2010 MiPHY Survey). Many kids assume it is safe to abuse medicine, because it is prescribed by a doctor, or sold in a pharmacy. But when taken in high doses or mixed with other drugs, many medications have serious and life-threatening consequences, including addiction and overdose.

Dispose of your unused medications safely, without impacting our drinking water, with the Big Red Barrel project. This medicine take-back program allows anyone to safely dispose of unused medications, no questions asked. Take your unwanted medications to the Dexter or Scio Township Police Substations and drop them in the barrel. For the safety of those who empty the barrel no liquids and sharps are accepted.