Cook County MEDS Disposal Initiative

Cook County MEDS Disposal Initiative is a grassroots education campaign to share information about how to properly dispose of expired, unused and unwanted prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. When your medicines expire or are left over, we’re here to help you to properly dispose of them.

COVID-19 UPDATE 

Due to disruptions associated with COVID-19, access to and operating hours at the listed disposal locations may be impacted. If you have questions about a disposal site, including current access, what can be disposed of, and hours of operation, contact the site directly via the phone number listed. If you have immediate disposal needs, but are unable to physically go to a secure disposal site, visit the FDA website for additional guidance and be sure to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local legal requirements.

Find Locations

To find the nearest collection site in Cook County please enter your address below.
Before traveling to a collection site, you may want to call to verify operating hours and type of collection (not all sites collect all meds).

      Cook County MEDS Disposal Initiative is a grassroots education campaign to share information about the importance of proper disposal of unused medications.

      MEDS Stands For:

      Doctor advising patient

      Management

      Studies have shown that many people aren’t taking medicines as prescribed and directed by their doctors, or as indicated on medication labels. Always follow your doctor's directions and take medicines as prescribed. Follow the directions on Drug Facts Labels for over-the-counter (OTC) medicines.

      Couple looking up information on touchpad

      Education

      Our focus is on educating Cook County residents and elected officials on how to safely store and properly dispose of expired, unused or unwanted medicines.

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      Disposal

      Community drop-off locations allow the public to bring medication to a centralized location to be properly disposed. We've created a database of medication disposal sites throughout Cook County. Simply enter your address above to find the sites closest to you.

      Child with pet

      Storage

      It’s important to properly store the remaining medications you want to keep so that children and pets aren’t able to access them intentionally or unintentionally.

      Partners

      Cook County MEDS Disposal Initiative is pleased to work with the following organizations to help spread information on the need for proper disposal of unused medications:

      AIDS Foundation of ChicagoAmerican Cancer SocietyAssociation for Accessible MedicinesBioBrookfield Police DepartmentCatholic Charities - Archdiocese of ChicagoCenter for Healthcare InnovationChicago Department of Public HealthChicago Urban LeagueChicagoland Chamber of CommerceCHPAEast Hazel Crest Police DepartmentEpilepsy Foundation Greater ChicagoHorizon PharmaIllinois Academy of Family PhysiciansIllinois Biotechnology Industry OrganizationIllinois Manufacturers' Association Illinois Pharmacists AssociationKidney Cancer AssociationLa Grange Police DepartmentLive4LaliNational Association of Hispanic NursesNational Hispanic Life Sciences SocietyNational Kidney Foundation of IllinoisOpioid Addiction Recovery ServicesPastors 4 PCORPhRMARush to LiveSisters Working It OutSouthland Ministerial Health NetworkVantage Clinical ConsultingWalgreensWomen In Bio - Chicago

      Take Action

      We’re on a mission to keep our families safe, to grow stronger communities and do our part in protecting our local neighborhoods from drug diversion and misuse. And we think that’s a mission everyone may want to join!

      How can you do your part to advocate for a stronger community in your hometown?

      • Be an example of safe habits. Always take medications as prescribed and follow best practices for secure storage and drug disposal as soon as those medications are no longer needed.
      • Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
      • Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and updates from the Cook County MEDS Disposal Initiative.

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      Contact Us

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      Additional Resources

      Cook County Sheriff's Prescription Drug Take Back Program

      Cook County Sheriff's Prescription Drug Take Back Program