Safe Disposal of Unused Medicine

West Chicago, Illinois: October 22, 2013 -The West Chicago Police Department is promoting the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day to highlight its ongoing Unused Medicine Drop Off Program. Nationally, this is a one-day event which gives people a venue at which to properly dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs, however the West Chicago Police Station maintains a collection box inside the facility at 325 Spencer Street which is available Monday - Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for this purpose.

The importance of a designated day nationally is to bring awareness to a public safety and public health issue. Every year, millions of Americans abuse prescription drugs; each day thousands of teenagers get high from prescription drugs; young children accidentally take prescription drugs because they look like candy; and water sources are being contaminated from drugs being flushed down toilets. The majority of these abused prescription drugs are coming from household medicine cabinets.

Medications dropped off in West Chicago can be stored in their original containers (with personal information removed or blacked out) or in sealed plastic bags. Medicated ointments, shampoos and liquids containing medications are also accepted, but they must be in their original containers. All medications will be picked up and destroyed by a licensed contractor and no medications will be reused.

For more information about the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day or about the Unused Medicine Drop Off program, please contact the West Chicago Police Department at (630) 293-2222.