FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ill. (WSIL) -- This Saturday, communities nationwide are coming together for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Here in Southern Illinois, several locations will be open to help you safely dispose of unwanted or expired medications.
Prescription and over-the-counter medicines accepted include pills, creams, and patches. Liquids and inhalers are not accepted.
Take Action Today in West Frankfort and the Franklin County Sheriff's Department have partnered to provide a drop-off site at the Benton State Attorney's office, one of three locations in Franklin County.
Danielle Kroeger, Take Action Today Office Manager, says this is a completely anonymous process, prioritizing convenience and safety. "All they're going to do is weigh the box, nobody's going to cycle through it and then it'll be taken to an approved drop off site."
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 26th, you can dispose of your medicines at these locations in Franklin County:
Franklin County Sheriff's Office - 403 East Main St. - Benton
West City Police Department - 307 S. Central St. - West City
Sesser Police Department - 302 W. Franklin Street - Sesser
In Jackson County, the Jackson County Health Department is partnering with the Sheriff's Department to add a full disposal day to their drug take-back program.
This event will also include providing containers for medical sharps and accepting confidential document shredding. They will also be accepting CFL and LED light bulbs and rechargeable batteries.
"We're not normally open on a Saturday, but since we are for this event, we try to make as many services as available to folks as possible," said Angie Kuehl, Recycling Coordinator for the Jackson County Health Department.
This event will run from 8a.m to 12p.m. taking appointment calls ahead of time. Organizers say an average of 150-200 pounds of medicines are dropped off at the Jackson County Health Department on this day.
Apart of the National Drug Take Back Day, Centerstone is partnering with several businesses and agencies to provide safe disposal of prescription drugs on Saturday, April 26th.Â
If you are unable to attend in person, more information can be found about safe and secure drop-off and mail-back disposal options for prescription medicines, inhalers, and sharps at 1-844-4-TAKE BACK or visit .
