Madigan urges participation in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Oct. 26

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan (D) is urging Illinois residents to participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Saturday, Oct. 26. Collection sites throughout Illinois will be open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., allowing law enforcement agencies to partner with community groups and public health organizations to collect expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. The service is free and anonymous.

Started in 2010, the national Take-Back Day events aim to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs.

“Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in Illinois,” said Madigan. “Illinois residents should take this opportunity to properly dispose of unused and unwanted prescription medications. It will make their homes — and our state — safer.”

Unused medications create a public health and safety concern because of the risk of accidental ingestion, diversion, misuse and abuse. Further, rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, and the majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Illinois residents can find a local collection site on the DEA’s database by entering their ZIP code. Only solid medicines may be turned in. No liquids, injectables or needles will be accepted.