Aurora Police To Participate In Drug Take-Back Day

AURORA, IL — The Aurora Police Department will collect unwanted or expired prescription medications as part of the Drug Enforcement Administration's National Drug Take-Back Day, officials announced.

The free, anonymous event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at police headquarters, 1200 E. Indian Trail Road in Aurora.

At its last drug take-back day in April, the DEA collected 420 tons of expired, unwanted and unused prescription medications across the country. In Illinois alone, more than 26,000 pounds of drugs were turned in, Aurora police said.

During the event, staff will accept prescription medications, non-controlled DEA drugs, over-the-counter and liquid medications, vitamins, pet medicines, and ointments and salves. In addition to medications, police will also accept vape pens and other e-cigarette devices as long as batteries are removed, according to a news release.

Items that will not be accepted include needles, illicit illegal substances, DEA-controlled drugs, empty containers and inhalers.

The event aims to provide community members with a safe, convenient and responsible way to dispose of prescription drugs. By doing so, it prevents medications from being flushed down the toilet and ending up in local drinking water supply.

Anyone with questions about the event can visit the DEA's website.