Help keep pharmaceuticals out of our rivers and streams. Until Illinois has a comprehensive statewide program for pharmaceutical collections, individuals will have to rely on what facilities or programs are in their area. If you are aware of a pharmaceutical collection program that is not listed below, please contact Prairie Rivers Network.

For more information on how pharmaceuticals enter our rivers and streams, the effects of pharmaceuticals on aquatic organisms, and why you should care, visit our preventing pharmaceutical water pollution webpage.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

Conducts one-day collection events in the spring and fall throughout the state. Events are organized based on applications submitted by counties, municipalities and groups. Contact: Waste Reduction Unit, (217) 785-8604; see schedule of IEPA collection events.

City of Chicago

One-day collection events in rotating city neighborhoods; pharmaceuticals are accepted at these events. The city’s permanent Household Chemicals and Computer’s Recycling Center does not currently accept pharmaceuticals. Contact: 312-744-7672, or 311; or visit Chicago web portal.

Cook County

Partnering with the Chicago Police Department, Cook County has held annual one-day Unwanted Medicine Disposal events. Contact:

DuPage County

The City of Naperville has a facility which currently accepts pharmaceuticals Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. Contact: 630.420.4190; or visit City of Naperville website.

City of Galesburg

Holds monthly outreach and collection events in rotating locations. Contact: Julie Main, Community Development Program, 309.345-3614.

Kendall County

Kendall County residents can drop off expired or unwanted medications in their original containers Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Yorkville Police station. Contact: Officer Barry Groesch, Yorkville Police Department, 630.553.8511, or click here.

Knox County

The Knox County Health Department accepts pharmaceuticals and over the counter medications during regular operating hours. Contact: Christy Potts, Knox County Health Department, 309.345.3614, x236.

Lake County

The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) schedules mobile collection events throughout the year. Their permanent collection facility at Gurnee also accepts pharmaceuticals, but only by appointment. Contact: 847.336.9340; or visit the SWALCO events calendar.

Warren County

Non-narcotic pharmaceuticals and over the counter medications accepted by the County Health Department during regular operating hours. Contact: Warren County Health Department, 400 N. Main, Monmouth, 309.734.1314.

Will County

Holds one-day collection events throughout the year. In September 2007 started a voluntary take-back program with Basinger’s Pharmacies in Joliet; four pharmacies currently accept unwanted, unused medications. Contact: Will County Land Use Department, 815-727-8834; or visit the Department’s events calendar.