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Drug take-back sites in the suburbs

Posted August 27, 2018 5:30 am

Networks of prescription drug take-backs exist in all six counties in the suburban region, providing more than 150 options to safely dispose of unwanted medications. Here is how to find them.

Cook County

• The Cook County MEDS Disposal Initiative is a public education campaign and resource website directing people to the take-back location nearest to their home. https://cookcountymeds.org/

• The Cook County Sheriff's Office operates more than 80 prescription take-back locations across Cook County, including about 50 at courthouses, county buildings, police stations and municipal centers: https://www.cookcountysheriff.org/departments/supportive-services/prescription-drug-take-back-program/ Sheriff.Recycling@cookcountyil.gov or (773) 843-5335

DuPage County

• The RxBOX program includes 18 sites that accept unwanted medications. http://www.dupagehealth.org/rxbox (630) 682-7400

• Naperville police accept unwanted medications in prescription drug drop boxes at the department's headquarters and all 10 fire stations: http://www.naperville.il.us/services/naperville-fire-department/programs-and-services/prescription-drug-drop-box-program/

• West Chicago police run a separate take-back program: http://westchicago.org/uncategorized/safe-disposal-of-unused-medicine/ (630) 293-2222

Lake County

• Partnering with the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County for disposal, Lake County offers 33 participating take-back sites: https://lakecountyil.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Directions/index.html?appid=cc37e9c750474c95a0656ad57f418bce or https://lakecountyil.gov/581/Prescription-Drug-Disposal-Box-Program sheriff@lakecountyil.gov or (847) 377-4000

Kane County

• Kane County Recycles lists 16 take-back sites in and near the county: http://www.countyofkane.org/recycling/pages/pharmMeds.aspx recycle@countyofkane.org or (630) 208-3841

McHenry County

• The McHenry County Substance Abuse Coalition includes 15 prescription take-back locations: http://mcdrugfree.com/take-action-bedford-1/

Will County

• Will County Green offers 21 pharmaceutical take-back sites at police stations, recycling centers and businesses: http://www.willcountygreen.com/greenguide/pharm.aspx

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