Health Promotion and Wellness (on behalf of Recovery for Redbirds) and the Illinois State University Police Department will host Illinois State University’s biannual Drug Takeback Events on the following dates and locations:
Monday, October 23, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., outside Watterson Dining Commons (indoors)
Tuesday, October 24, noon-3 p.m., in the drive-up lane on the west side of Turner Hall, facing CEFCU Arena
Wednesday, October 25, noon-3 p.m., on the first floor of Bone Student Center near Starbucks
Participants can walk or drive up to drop off prescription or over-the-counter medications, inhalers, electronic vape devices, and syringes/sharps.
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 many of these drugs often unknowingly obtained from family and friends.
At these events, information will be provided regarding further prevention of accidental drug poisoning. In recent years, there has been significant growth in the number of counterfeit prescription drugs that contain deadly doses of fentanyl, which is as small as the point of a sharpened pencil. As a result, pills not prescribed by a medical professional and received from a licensed pharmacist are unsafe and potentially fatal. It’s important to note, however, that fentanyl can be found in any illicit drug, not just fake pills.
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 Ave., Normal
- CVS, 1130 S. Veterans Parkway, Bloomington
- CVS, 1701 Fort Jesse Road, Normal
- Hy-Vee Pharmacy, 1403 N. Veterans Parkway, Bloomington (no liquids or inhalers)
- Meijer Pharmacy, 1900 E. College Ave., Normal
- Normal Police Department (outdoor boxes), 100 E. Phoenix Ave., Normal
- OSF St. Joseph’s Medical Center Entrance A, 2200 E. Washington St., inside of Building A (facing State Farm), Bloomington (no Inhalers)
- Student Health Services Pharmacy, 201 N. University St., Normal
- Walgreens Pharmacy, 1525 N. Veterans Parkway, Bloomington
- Walmart Pharmacy, 300 N. Greenbriar Drive, Normal (outdoor boxes)
Year-round disposal of batteries from vape/electronic cigarette devices
- Interstate All Battery, 1115 E. Lafayette St., Bloomington
Year-Round Disposal of Syringes and Needles
Needles and sharps can be disposed of with regular household garbage if proper precautions are taken. Put these items in a puncture proof container and duct-tape the lid onto the container.
