Mokena PD Accepting Prescription Drug Drop-Off For Drug Take-Back Day

MOKENA, IL — The Drug Enforcement Administration's National Take-Back Initiative is scheduled for Oct. 29, and Mokena residents can drop off unused or expired prescription medications at the Mokena Police Department, 10907 Front St.

Medications — including pills, capsules and tablets — must be removed from their containers and placed into zip-lock baggies. Multiple prescriptions can be placed into one baggie.

Blister-packed medications in blister packs or boxes will be accepted; however, no liquids or needles/syringes will be accepted.

"The program gives people a resource, rather than flushing dangerous drugs down the drain, which can get into the water supply, or throwing them out in the garbage, where they may end up in the wrong hands," said Mokena Police Chief Brian Benton. "It gives them a safe place to deposit them, and we make sure we dispose of them through the DEA."

Mokena residents can stop by the Mokena Police Department between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 29 to drop off prescription drugs.

The Mokena Police Department also collects prescription drug drop-offs year-round, Benton said. The drop-off box is located just inside the entrance to the police department, and is open for drop-offs anytime during normal business hours, which are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Mokena Police Department collects and empties the drop-off bin daily, processes the medications and takes them for disposal four times a year to the DEA center in Chicago, Benton said.

Residents can also drop off unused prescription medications at Walgreens, 20002 Wolf Road in Mokena.

For more information, contact the Mokena Police Department non-emergency line at (708) 479-3912.