Safe Disposal

Proper disposal of unused medications can save lives and protect the environment. Leftover medications that are expired, unwanted, or unused should be removed from the home and disposed of quickly in order to reduce the possibility that others access and misuse medications not prescribed to them.

There are several drug take back locations throughout DuPage County where you can safely dispose of medications.

RxBOX

The RxBOX program offers residents a safe, easy way to drop off unwanted medications that might otherwise have been misused or gone to waterways and landfills. Unwanted medicine can be dropped off at any DuPage County RxBOX location.

Walgreens

Safe medication disposal kiosks are available in four Walgreens stores in DuPage County, located in Naperville, Glen Ellyn, Downers Grove, and Villa Park. View a map of all RxBOX and Walgreens take back locations in DuPage County.

Medication Mail Back Programs

Unused, unwanted, or expired medications can be sealed and sent in the mail through mail back programs. Through these programs, a mail back envelope can be purchased and used to safely mail and dispose of medications. Check with your local pharmacy to determine if they sell mail back envelopes.

The DuPage County Health Department currently has Deterra Drug Deactivation System pouches available at no cost for DuPage County residents. To request to have one Deterra pouch mailed to your address, contact us at DNP@dupagehealth.org.

The Deterra Drug Deactivation System works by permanently destroying prescription and over the counter pills, patches, liquids, creams and films. Learn more about the pouch on the Deterra website.