Rid Your Home of Unwanted Prescriptions; Drug Enforcement Administration Collection

Take your old presecriptiond and dispose of them properly.

The Will County Sheriff's Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is hosting a drop-off for old and unwanted prescriptions from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, at the Will County Courthouse, 14 W. Jefferson St., Joliet.

The Will County Sheriff's Department offers the program as an opportunity for residents to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding  homes of expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. 

A disposal receptacle will be available for drop off in the parking lot of the Will County Courthouse, 14 W. Jefferson Street, in downtown Joliet.  No needles of any kind will be accepted.  The service is free and anonymous.

During last year's National Take Back Day, Americans turned in 552,161 pounds (276 tons) of prescription drugs at the 5,659 sites across the nation.  This initiative is operated by the DEA and is in partnership with state and local law enforcement agencies.  It addresses vital public safety and public health issues. 

"Medicines that languish in homes are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse," according to a press release.  Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends.

Additionally, Americans are now advised that their usual methods of disposing of unused medicines, such as flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash, should be eliminated due to potential safety and health hazards.

For more information about National Take Back Day please visit:  www.dea.gov or call 800-882-9539.

Story contributed by Kathy Hoffmeyer, spokesperson for the Will County Sheriff's Department