Safely dispose of expired, unneeded prescription drugs

McHenry County Department of Health encourages residents to take advantage of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency's program "National Take-Back Initiative" on Saturday, Sept. 25. A joint collaborative of government, public health and law enforcement, this initiative will provide a safe way for the public to dispose of their expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs at no cost.

The one-day event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at participating law enforcement sites. Residents can bring prescription and over-the-counter, solid dose of tablets or capsules medications in clear, sealed plastic bags for disposal. Liquids, intravenous (IV) bags/solutions, injectables, needles, lancets and sharps will not be accepted. Remember to remove prescription labels or block out personal information with a permanent marker from plastic bottles before tossing into weekly curbside recycling containers.

Drop-off sites include Algonquin Police Dept., 2200 Harnish Drive, Algonquin; Huntley Police Dept., 10911 Main St., Huntley; Johnsburg Police Dept., 3611 N. Chapel Hill Road, Johnsburg; Spring Grove Police Dept., 7401 Meyer Road, Spring Grove; and Woodstock Police Dept., 656 Lake St., Woodstock.

According to the DEA, rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are increasing at an alarming rate, as are accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Many Americans toss their unused medicines into the toilet or throw them in the trash - both potential safety and health hazards. U.S. Geological Survey studies have found traces of prescription drugs in water samples from 30 states which have been linked to ecological harm to fish and freshwater supplies.

Supporters include U.S. DEA, local law enforcement, MCDH, McHenry County Substance Abuse Coalition, Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute at MCC and Environmental Defenders of McHenry County. To find collection sites near you, visit the DEA's Web page at www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/takeback/index.html. New disposal sites will be added daily.

Additional information is available from your local law enforcement agency, on the MCDH web page www.mcdh.info, Environmental Health or call Kristy Hecke, Solid Waste Manager at (815) 334-4585.