Before you dump any prescription drugs down the sink save them for this Saturday’s prescription drug take-back day.

Several police agencies will participate in collecting those used, unwanted, or expired medications. Drop-off sites have been announced in area cities and counties.

The Iroquois County Sheriff’s Department will have personnel accepting the prescription meds at the jail in Watseka. Kankakee County law enforcement will collect the meds at Northfield Square Mall. Take-Back events are also planned in Champaign, Vermilion and McLean counties.

The Will County Sheriff’s Office will once again participate in this year’s DEA National Drug Take-Back Day. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and participating law enforcement agencies across the country are coordinating the event.

The Will County Sheriff’s Office will be collecting prescription medications in the parking lot of the Will County Courthouse, in downtown Joliet. Most local municipal police departments are also participating.

The National Drug Take-Back Initiative began in 2010. Since that time Americans have turned in over 6 million pounds of prescription drugs. This event aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription medications. Flushing drugs down the drain have unintended, negative consequences for public health and safety and for the environment. Most of these chemicals pass through treatment plants or septic systems and can end up in nearby rivers or lakes.

The drug take-back day It gives the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. The service is free and anonymous.

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