Dispose of Prescriptions During Area ‘Drug Take Back Day’

The purpose of Drug Take Back Days are to educate us on the safe and responsible way to get rid of prescription drugs.

Saturday, April 30, local law enforcement agencies along with Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, Project LEAD (Leaders Encouraging Abstinence from Drugs), and the Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department will be a part of the DEA's national Prescription Take Back Day, according to the Rock River Times. Throwing meds in the garbage or flushing them down the toilet or sink can cause many public health issues including ground water problems.

Prescription medications will be accepted between 10a.m. and 2p.m. at the following locations: The police departments of - Forreston, Mt. Morris, Polo, and Rochelle and in Oregon at 501 W. Washington Street.

Other important things you should know about Drug Take Back Day:

• Medicine will be accepted from residential households only.
• Prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, and pet medications will be accepted.
• Pills should be removed from bottles and placed in zip plastic bags.
• Liquid medications, ointments and creams should be placed in separate bags to prevent spills.
• Labels from pill bottles should be removed or have any personal information blacked out and can then be recycled through local recycling programs.

Items Not Accepted:

• hypodermic needles (sharps)
• Thermometers
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Aerosol cans
• Medicine from businesses or clinics

Can't make it during the event? You can drop-off year round at the Byron, Forreston, Mt. Morris, Oregon, Polo, and Rochelle police departments. The Ogle County Sheriff’s Department also has a drop box outside the building on First Street in Oregon. For more info you can call your local police department, the Ogle County Sheriff's office or Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department at 815-732-4020.