Drop boxes for old meds face state cuts

Money for a state program that safely disposes of old prescription medications could wind up in the state's general fund, essentially killing the program.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency officials recently warned counties the program could end if Gov. Pat Quinn signs a bill that sweeps $356 million dedicated for a variety of state programs into the state's general fund. One of the threatened funds is for the pharmaceutical collection program that places secure drop boxes at police stations, waste centers and pharmacies to collect expired medications. There are scores of such drop boxes throughout the state.

DuPage County started collecting old prescriptions in May at 13 different sites. The first pickup was Wednesday, and county officials said they were told by the IEPA that they'd make one more pickup, then the program would die if Quinn signed the bill. Officials from the Fox Metro Water Reclamation District in Kane County said they were also told by the state agency to stop collecting the old medicine.

IEPA officials said they will continue to pick up and safely dispose of the drugs "pending a decision on future funding."

Since May, DuPage officials collected enough old medicine to fill 18 30-gallon drums.

There are 26 sites in Cook County, one in Kane and two in McHenry, according to the state agency's Web site.

DuPage County Board member Jeff Redick, who is chairman of the board's environmental committee, said the program is beneficial because it keeps the medications from being flushed down toilets and eventually into local waterways where it can be consumed by fish and other wildlife. Studies have shown increased levels of some prescription medications in natural waterways have affected reproductive systems of wildlife.

The program also helps cut down on the availability of prescription medications to children who may abuse their parents' supply.

"I find it offensive, quite frankly, that the state would have these public service announcements running to talk about this problem," Redick said, "but when it comes time to do something about it, they punt and take away one thing that would actually help. Every time you think it can't get worse in Springfield, it does."

Officials from Quinn's office did not return calls.

Carol Stream Republican state Sen. John Millner voted against the funding sweep that also moves $24.5 million from the Mental Health Fund into the general fund.

"Those were dedicated funds," he said. "There are hundreds of programs that will be wiped off the map due in part to the way this budget is being managed."