Drop Off Program for the Safe Disposal of Medicatons-Pharmacy & Over the Counter
8/5/2009

Medicine can be a safety hazard if not properly disposed. Each year, thousands of tons of pharmaceuticals and personal care products enter the waste stream either through residential landfills or sanitary sewer systems. Recent studies have shown that many of these substances are surviving water treatment facilities and making their way into drinking water.

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has recommended the use of pharmaceutical take-back programs to dispose of unwanted medications. This new initiative is designed to give residents the chance to safely dispose of unwanted or expired medicines.

The Cook County Department of Environmental Control and the Cook County Bureau of Health Services along with the West Cook County Solid Waste Agency (of which the Village of La Grange is a member), and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency are sponsoring a drop off program for the safe disposal of medications on:

Saturday, August 15, 2009 - 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Franklin Park Police Department
Police Parking Lot at the corner of
25th Avenue and Belmont Avenue in
Franklin Park, IL

DROP-OFF INSTRUCTIONS

* Bring only medication items from private households - NOT medications from businesses or doctors' offices.
* Use a permanent marker to black out your name or personal information on the prescription label.
* Take medications to collection site ONLY during the drop-off site's open hours of operation.
* Please follow directions at the drop-off site carefully. Only give medications to personnel of the drop-off site.

ACCEPTABLE ITEMS (Expired or unwanted medications)

* Prescription medications
* Over-the counter medications
* Medicated ointments
* Medicated shampoos
* Liquids containing medications
* Prescription inhalers
* Over-the counter inhalers
* Glass thermometers containing mercury
* Sharps/needles
* Medical devices containing mercury (blood pressure units, barometers, etc.)

UNACCEPTABLE ITEMS

* DEA-controlled substances, including narcotic medications and illegal drugs
* Biohazardous materials
* Radioactive materials
* Other household wastes

All medications received will be destroyed in an environmentally responsible manner by a certified IEPA hauler. For more information please contact Mr. Jim Caporusso at the West Central Municipal Conference (708) 453-9100 or the Cook County Department of Environmental Control at (312) 603-8217.