Leftover medicine has a way of making its way into water systems. Flushed down the drain or toilet, it pollutes lakes and rivers as well as our drinking water, so you don't want to do that. Of the more than 4 billion prescriptions written yearly, it is estimated that some 40% go unused. That’s about 200 million pounds of meds—including those in liquid form. Here in McHenry County , because of the shallow acquirers, we need to be cautious about the exposure and treatment of our water system. The proper disposal of drugs is a way you can help to maintain a healthy water supply.
Saturday, October 26th is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day sponsored by the US Justice Department and Drug Enforcement Agency. On that day you can take your unused and/or expired drugs to a local police station, and they will dispose of medications properly.
They will also offer education to the public to help during other times of the year. For more information go to: http://www.takebackyourmeds.org
NOTE: The following McHenry County Police Dept. offer year around drop off for medications: Cary, Fox River Grove, Johnsburg, Spring Grove and Woodstock.
Walgreens Stores have prepaid medication postage envelopes for purchase.