Wauconda police collecting unwanted medications

Wauconda officials, the Wauconda Police Department and the Save A Star Drug Awareness Foundation have launched a pill disposal and collection program.

The goal is to collect and safely dispose of unwanted and unused medications, thus keeping them out of the hands of individuals who might otherwise become victims of prescription drug abuse.

More young people now die each year from prescription drug overdoses than from heroin, methamphetamines, cocaine, and inhalants, combined. The problem has reached epidemic proportions and threatens the lives of millions of Americans.

The pill collection unit has been installed in the Wauconda Police Department lobby, 311 S. Main St.

The following items are acceptable for disposal:

• Prescription medications, including controlled substances.

• All over-the-counter medications.

• Medication samples.

• Pet medications.

• Vitamins and supplements.

• Medicated ointments, lotions, creams and oils.

• Liquid medication in leakproof containers.

• Homeopathic remedies.

Items not acceptable for deposit are:

• Needles.

• Syringes with needles.

• Thermometers.

• IV bags.

• Bloody or infectious waste.

• Personal care products.

• Empty containers.

• Hydrogen peroxide.

For more information about the Save A Star Drug Awareness Foundation or to see a list of other participating police departments, visit saveastar.org or call (847) 579-1300, ext. 146.