Kane County Health Department

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​​Supporting Your Loved One and Yourself
Warning Signs
Get Naloxone
Safe Drug Storage and ​Disposal
The Language of Addiction
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Safe Drug Storage and Disposal​​​

Proper and timely disposal of prescription and over-the-counter medications is extremely important! Storing drugs for prolonged periods at home can lead to accidental poisoning, particularly among young children. Holding on to certain prescription pain killers, anxiety medications and sleep aids beyond the period of medical necessity increases risks associated with drug dependence and potential overdose.​

Joseph's Story

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Safe Prescription Medication Storage

First, check for any expired prescription medicines, as they may no longer be safe or effective. Ensure that your prescription medication is stored in its original packaging with the safety lock tightened and secured.

Then, secure your medication. Store it in a location inaccessible to children and pets. For prescription narcotics such as morphine, opioids, or codeine, consider further securing them in a locked cabinet or drawer. Proper storage of these controlled substances is crucial, as they can pose significant risks if taken without a prescription.


Pay Attention to Expiration Dates

Both prescription and over-the-counter drugs can lose their potency after their expiration dates, and some can even grow harmful bacteria.
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Kane County Safe Drug Disposal Locations

You may bring unused or expired prescription drugs to the following locations for safe disposal. Remove identifying labels before dropping off. 
  • Campton Hills Police Department
  • Elburn Police Department
  • Elburn Village Hall
  • Geneva Police Department
  • Hampshire Police Department
  • Hampshire Pharmacy
  • Kane County Coroner’s Office​
  • Maple Park Police Department
  • ​Medical Park Pharmacy, Aurora​
  • Meijer Pharmacy, St. Charles
  • Pingree Grove Police Department
  • Presence Mercy, Aurora
  • Presence Saint Joseph, Elgin
  • South Elgin Police Department

Don't Flush!

Flushing drugs down the toilet or sink and even throwing them in the trash leads to medications ending up in our waterways. Please don't flush your medications.


Resources

Kane County Medication Drop-off Locations

CDC: Your Prescription Medicine: Tips for Safe Storage and Disposal​

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day​

FDA: Where and How to Dispose of Unused Medicines​​