Saturday, September 27 is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Saturday, September 27, 2014 is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) sponsors this effort at many locations throughout the metropolitan area, including two Village maintained drop-off locations in Skokie.

The Village of Skokie offers an expanded Drug Collection/Disposal program to prevent prescription drug abuse and help the environment. There is a white drop-off box in the lobby of the Skokie Police Department, 7300 Niles Center Road, for residents to dispose of unwanted, unused and expired medication at any time. This location offers 24-hour secure monitoring, collection and delivery to medical waste facilities in accordance with federal regulations.

Accepted drugs include prescription medications, controlled substances, all over-the-counter medications (i.e. pain relievers, cold medication, etc.), medication samples, pet medications, vitamins and supplements, medicated ointments, lotions, creams and oils, liquid medication in leak-proof containers and homeopathic remedies.

This program does not accept needles/sharps, syringes with needles, thermometers, IV bags, bloody or infectious waste, personal care products, empty containers and hydrogen peroxide.

Since May 2007, the Skokie Health Department, 5127 Oakton Street, has accepted medications and used syringes/needles in puncture-proof containers. The Skokie Health Department drop-off convenience is available from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Skokie Health Department is unable to accept controlled substances and non-prescription liquids.

For more information on the Skokie Drug Collection and Disposal Program, please contact the Skokie Health Department at 847/933-8252 or the Skokie Police Department Headquarters at 847/982-5900.