Cook County Environmental Control Co-sponsors Prescription Drug Take-Back Program at Bloom Township

On Thursday, August 30th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm the Cook County Department of Environmental Control and Bloom Township Senior Services are co-sponsoring a free Prescription Drug Take-back event. This event is a low-cost, high-value opportunity to tackle a critical environmental issue.  The EPA has asked people not to flush old medications, as trace elements have been found in groundwater.  Each year, close to 5,000 tons of pharmaceutical and personal care products enter the waste stream.  Many survive water treatment processes and end up in drinking water.  Medicines improperly disposed of end up in landfills, leading to the potential of accidental overdose by animals and humans. Residents can drop off unused prescription drugs at:  Bloom Township Senior Services 425 S. Halsted Street Chicago Heights, IL 10am-3pm Who can come to the event? Is there a fee? Any residents of Illinois can drop off their medications (click on image above for more details) at no charge. What can I expect at the event? There will be a table staffed by a pharmacist who will review your old medication and accept it for disposal. Use a permanent marker to black out your name or personal information from the label. Please be aware we do not accept SHARPS or NEEDLES. The Cook County Environmental Control Department will also have low-cost Radon Test Kits available for purchase. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released in rock, soil, and water from the natural decay of uranium. While levels in outdoor air pose a relatively low threat to human health, radon can accumulate to dangerous levels inside buildings. Because you can’t see, smell, or taste it, its important to test your home for elevated radon levels that could affect the health of your family. Acceptable items include: Over-the counter medications Medicated ointments Medicated shampoos Liquids containing medications Prescription inhalers Over-the-counter inhalers Glass thermometers containing mercury Medical devices containing mercury (blood pressure units, barometers, etc.) Unacceptable items include: Sharps/needles DEA-controlled substances, including narcotic medications and illegal drugs Bio-hazardous materials Radioactive materials Other household wastes For more information, contact Cook County Environmental Control( kevin.givens@cookcountyil.gov) at 1-312-603-8200.