Evanston, Illinois – The City’s 4th annual Recycling Fair and Equipment Display encourage the community to responsibly dispose their unused medications and prescription drugs.
Full Support
The NorthShore University HealthSystem, Stericycle and the Evanston Police Department have shown full support to the responsible disposal of unused prescriptions and expired over-the-counter (OTC) drugs in the city’s annual fair. Responsible disposal of unused medications and prescriptions was included only this year. Residentially-generated and medications considered as controlled substances were also accepted at the fair. Community members also surrendered some products they got from different urgent care clinics and other drug stores.
Disposal Limitations
Community members showed urgent care, participation, and support to the entire activity. Many people showed up, but not all unused medication and prescription drugs were accepted. Loose pills were not accepted during the fair, only drugs in labeled containers. Needles and syringes were also prohibited. The organizers also encouraged the community to transport medicine bottles in a secured, clear zip-lock bags. Personal information labeled on the bottles was likewise asked to be marked out with black pens, but the medicine label should be intact.
Safe and Responsible Disposal
The Recycling Fair and Equipment Display provided the community members with a safe and responsible way of disposing unused drugs or medications. Catherine Hurley, the Sustainable Programs Coordinator, said that the program is a valuable addition to the city’s recycling fair activities, providing community members with not only a safe, but also an environmentally responsible way of disposing unused medications. The medications received from community members, private companies, and even from an urgent care clinic were kept separate from other recycled items such as electronics and equipment.
Proper Versus Improper Disposal
The improper disposal of these items might require individuals for a quick visit to an urgent care near me, considering the health hazards of expired and unused medicines. Hence, proper disposal will prevent accidents such as misuse and poisoning. Improper disposal of unused and expired medications also poses the risk of entering the water supply system, making it more dangerous to individuals and the environment.
Regular Disposal
The annual fair did not only allow community members to properly dispose of their unused and expired medications through the annual activity. The City of Evanston also encourages the entire community to continue the proper disposal at a regular basis. After the fair, they can still dispose of their unused medications and expired prescription drugs through the Evanston Police Department or the city’s Health Department.
