Shred Your Papers And Drop Off Unused Meds Saturday in 19th Ward

CHICAGO — 19th Ward residents can turn in their expired and unused prescription and over-the-counter medications, and get their documents shredded at the same time, Saturday, Jan. 29. The free event runs from 9 to 11 a.m. at CrossWinds Church, 10835 S. Pulaski Road.

Improper disposal of medicines poured down the sink or flushed down the toilet can pass through the treatment system and enter rivers and lakes. They may flow downstream to serve as sources for community drinking water supplies. Also, water treatment plans are generally not equipped to routinely remove medicines, according to the U.S. Environment Protection Agency.

Turn in your unused meds for safe disposal, except for these unacceptable items:

• Needles, syringes, lancets and ejection pens
• Medical waste
• Liquids
• Chemo/cytotoxic drugs
• Contaminated materials, such as gloves, tubing or IV bags
• Illicit drugs (Schedule 1 controlled substances), such as cocaine, marijuana, heroin and meth

Residents may also bring in documents no longer necessary to keep for shredding. Paper shredding protects you from identity theft, including those pesky credit card applications you get in the paper. Remove all staples and clips and keep papers loose.