Cities, Including Champaign-Urbana, Launch Drug Disposal

Residents of Champaign and Urbana and many other cities now have permanent locations to dispose of unwanted drugs.

Friday's kickoff included the setup of collection boxes at both city police departments, and the University of Illinois’ Police Department.

The intent of the take-back program is to properly dispose of unused prescription and non-prescription medications. 

But the University of Illinois Extension’s Laura Kammin said some cities simply don’t have the police staff or resources to manage the program. 

For example, Macon County has just one drop-off site – the Maroa Police Station.

But Kammin said there are funds available to expand what she calls a grassroots effort.

“We currently have a grant from the US EPA that we can use to provide some resources to communities to help them set these up," she said.  "But we also help them figure out who are our partners within the local community that could partner to help fund initiatives.”

Collection boxes are also open at Walgreen’s pharmacies at the Old Farm Shops on West Kirby Avenue in Champaign, and at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana - but they’re not allowed to take controlled substances, such as painkillers.

None of the collection boxes will accept illicit drugs, syringes, needles, or thermometers.