Drop Off Expired, Unused Prescription Meds at the Palos Park Police Station

PALOS PARK, IL -- The Palos Park Police Department now offers a place where the public can safely dispose of expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs, as well as expired over-the-counter medications. The prescription drop-off box is available in the lobby of the police station located at 8999 W. 123rd St., Palos Park.

Residents are asked to keep medicines in their original containers when disposing them in the drop-off box. Cross off personal information on the label, such as name, address, physician, etc. Place medicines in a clear plastic baggie and drop them off anytime between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the police station. After business hours, ring the bell and you'll be buzzed into the police station to drop off your unused meds. Police cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps, only pills and patches. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.

Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines — flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.