Unused Medication Accepted at Evanston's Recycling Fair Saturday

Community members looking to clean up their medicine cabinets and responsibly dispose of unused medications and prescription drugs can do so at the City’s fourth annual Recycling Fair and Equipment Display on Saturday, July 12, 9 a.m. to noon, at Evanston Township High School, 1600 Dodge Ave.

Thanks to the support of NorthShore University HealthSystem, Stericycle and the Evanston Police Department, residentially-generated, unused prescriptions and expired over-the-counter drugs will be accepted for disposal for the first time ever at this year’s fair. Medications considered to be a controlled substance will also be accepted.

• Medicines will only be accepted in labeled containers (no loose pills allowed);
• “Sharps,” such as needles or syringes, will not be accepted;
• Multiple medicine bottles should be transported in a clear, zip-lock plastic bag;
• Personal information on labels may be marked out with black felt tip pens, but labels must not be removed;
• No bulk turn-ins will be accepted.

Community members disposing of medications will be directed to a designated tent where medications can be turned in to medical and police department staff. Medications should be kept separate from electronics, documents and other items being recycled at the fair.

"The City of Evanston is proud to partner with NorthShore University HealthSystem, Stericycle and the Evanston Police Department to provide community members with a safe and environmentally responsible way to dispose of unused medications," said City of Evanston Sustainable Programs Coordinator Catherine Hurley. "This program is a valuable addition to a recycling fair that keeps getting better every year."

Proper disposal of medication helps prevent poisoning of children and pets, deters misuse, and keeps medicines from entering the water supply.

In addition to this year’s recycling fair, the City of Evanston provides residents with two primary opportunities to properly dispose of medications and needles on a regular basis through the City’s Health Department and the Evanston Police Department. For more information, visit cityofevanston.org/medicationdisposal, or call 311 (847-448-4311 outside of Evanston).

For more information about the July 12 Recycling Fair and Equipment Display, visit cityofevanston.org/recyclingfair, or call 311.