The City of Oregon Police Department is proud to announce a new service to the Citizens of Oregon.
Did you know that improper disposal of prescription drugs and over the counter medications are both a health and environmental hazard? Why?
1. PRESCRIPTION & OTC DRUG ABUSE.
The NIDA-funded 2010 Monitoring the Future Study showed that 2.7% of 8th graders, 7.7% of 10th graders, and 8.0% of 12th graders had abused Vicodin and 2.1% of 8th graders, 4.6% of 10th graders, and 5.1% of 12th graders had abused OxyContin for non-0medical purposes at least once in the year prior to being surveyed. Source: Monitoring the Future (University of Michigan Web Site).
2. CONTAMINATION OF WATER RESOURCES.
Recent U.S. geological survey studies have found traces of painkillers, estrogen, antidepressants, blood pressure medicines, and more in U.S. water samples. Studies have linked hormone exposure to reproductive defects in fish, and environmental exposure to antibiotics to the development of drug resistant germs. (For more information, visit www.epa.state.il.us/medication disposal/facts/html
3. ACCIDENTAL POISONING.
Young children and pets are at high risk for accidental drug ingestion; just one pill can be deadly!
In order to protect our families and the environment, The Oregon Police Department, in partnership with Ogle County Solid Waste Department, in offering the residents of the City of Oregon a safe and secure way of disposing of unwanted prescription & over the counter medications for FREE!
Acceptable Items
Prescription Medications/Samples
Over-the-counter MedicationsMedicated Ointments/LotionsPet MedicationsInhalers Unacceptable Items
Thermometers
IV BagsSharps/NeedlesBloody or Infectious WasteIllegal DrugsMedication Collection Instructions:
1. Gather unwanted medications. Please see list above to determine which items can and cannot be collected.
2. Leave items in their original containers. Pill bottles, blister packs, ointment tubes, and leak proof liquid containers are all acceptable. All packaging material will be recycled. Pills placed in a Ziplock bag will also be accepted.
3. Remove or black out any personal information on the label to protect your privacy.
4. Medications will NOT be accepted from businesses, pharmacies, nursing homes, or medical offices.
5. Drop off all unused or unwanted medications in RXreturn drop box in the main lobby of the Oregon Police Department/City Hall 115 North 3rd Street during regular business hours M-F 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
NOTE: Please follow all directions prior to depositing any medications into the green disposal box.
Questions can be directed to Chief Matt Kalnins at (815) 732-2803