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Disposal of Unwanted / Expired Medications
Don't Flush Medicine Down the Toilet
Many people think they should flush medicine down the toilet as a means to dispose of unwanted or expired pharmaceuticals.

However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that substantial amounts of antibiotics in lakes are contaminating our drinking water.

Drug Take-Back Events
To get rid of your unwanted / expired medications, you may be able to take advantage of an area drug take-back event periodically sponsored by Cook County.

The Village of La Grange periodically schedules Drug Take-Back Events in conjunction with the County and DEA.

Disposal Method
If a drug take back event is unavailable:
  1. Take your prescription drugs out of their original containers.
  2. Crush solid medicines.
  3. Mix medicines with an undesirable substance, such as cat litter or used coffee grounds.
  4. Put this mixture into a disposable container with a lid or into a sealable bag.
  5. Conceal or remove any personal information including Rx number, on the empty containers by covering it with black permanent marker or by scratching it off.
  6. Place the sealed container with the mixture and the empty drug containers in the trash.

For More Information
If you have any questions regarding the disposal of medicines, or if you have concerns which you would like to share, please contact the Fire Department Secretary at (708) 579-2338.