Elmhurst Police Department is partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration for the Prescription Drug Take Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29.
Officers will be on hand in the parking lot of the police station, 125 E. First St., to collect expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs for safe destruction.
Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue that can lead to accidental poisoning, overdose and abuse. The non-medical use of prescription drugs is one of the most common forms of drug abuse in America. The majority of teenagers abusing prescription drugs get them from the home medicine cabinets of family and friends.
Unused drugs that are flushed into toilets or thrown into the garbage are also environmental hazards, as they contaminate the water supply.
During last April's collection, 450 pounds of medications were turned in for destruction in Elmhurst, alone. Since the event was held in 2010, more than 774 tons of medications have been removed from circulation nationwide.
Please check your home for unwanted prescription medications and conveniently drop them off, no questions asked. For more information, contact Sgt. Michael McLean at (630) 530-3050.
