Is your medicine cabinet full of expired medications or medications you no longer use? Do you know the proper way to dispose of these drugs? Many people toss expired or unused medications by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash. The problem is that chemicals found in certain medications end up in our lakes, streams, and water supplies. The improper disposal of unused medications by flushing them or pouring them down the drain may be harmful to fish, wildlife and their habitats according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Even as some may recommend, getting rid of these drugs in the garbage may be dangerous since they can end up in the mouths of children or household pets.
A report published in early 2008 by the Associated Press indicated that a vast array of pharmaceuticals including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones have been found in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans.”
Since the amount of the drugs found in our water supply is hundreds or thousands of times lower than the quantity found in the medications that we take, it is not clear what the potential harm is to humans. However, research has shown that there can be effects on animals that live in the water such as fish and frogs.
Peoria County has a Safe Drug Disposal Program in place. The program allows residents to drop off all forms prescription medications and over the counter medications in Safe Drug Disposal boxes. You can find one of these boxes at one of the following locations:
Bartonville Police Department
918 South Adams Street, Bartonville
Chillicothe Police Department
823 N 2nd St, Chillicothe
Peoria Police Department
600 SW Adams Street, Peoria
Peoria County Courthouse
324 Main Street, Peoria
Peoria County Jail,
301 North Maxwell, Peoria
Peoria Heights Police Department
1311 E Sciota, Peoria Heights
Please note that the program is open only to residents. Medications cannot be accepted from doctor’s offices, nursing homes, or other institutions or businesses.
If you have any questions please contact Peoria County at (309) 681-2550
For additional information about medication disposal in IL please refer to the Illinois EPA website.