Student Health Services (on behalf of Recovery for Redbirds) and the Illinois State University Police Department will host Illinois State’s second biannual Drug Takeback Day on Saturday, October 29 from 10 a.m.– 2 p.m. in the front circle drive of Thomas Metcalf School, 107 S. University Street (one block south of the Bone Student Center). Participants can walk or drive up to drop off prescription or over-the-counter medications, inhalers, and electronic vape devices. Note, syringes and sharps will not be collected this time.
Why is such an event important?
- Prescription and over the counter medications (as well as the other items being collected at the event) can harm our water supply and environment when disposed of improperly by flushing or throwing in the landfill.
- Unused or expired medications are a public safety issue, leading to misuse and accidental drug poisoning. Prescription medications are the second most common form of drug misuse in America (behind cannabis), with most of these drugs obtained from family and friends (or their medicine cabinets).
If you cannot make it to the event or need to recycle items between events, review the following information for permanent disposal locations.
Safe Disposal of Prescription/Over-the-Counter Medications
- Community Health Care Clinic, 900 Franklin Avenue, Normal
- CVS, 1130 S. Veterans Parkway, Bloomington
- CVS, 1701 Fort Jesse Road, Normal
- Hy-Vee Pharmacy, 1403 N. Veterans Parkway, Bloomington No liquids, no inhalers
- Meijer Pharmacy, 1900 E. College Avenue, Normal
- Normal Police Department (outdoor boxes), 100 E. Phoenix Ave, Normal
- OSF St. Joseph’s Medical Center Entrance A, 2200 E. Washington Street, Inside of Building A (facing State Farm), Bloomington No Inhalers
- Student Health Services Pharmacy, 201 N. University Street, Normal
- Walgreens Pharmacy, 1525 N. Veterans Parkway, Bloomington
- Wal-Mart Pharmacy, 300 N. Greenbriar Drive, Normal (Outdoor Boxes)
Year- Round Disposal of Batteries from Vape/Electronic Cigarette Devices
- Interstate All Battery, 1115 E. Lafayette Street, Bloomington
Year-Round Disposal of Syringes and Needles
Needles and sharps can be disposed of with regular household garbage if proper precautions are taken. Needles and sharps should be placed in a puncture-proof container. Duct tape the cap to the container before disposal.
For more information about this event, contact Jamie Laurson, jllaurs@IllinoisState.edu or (309) 438-2564.
