Drop Off Location

Prescription and OTC drugs can be dropped off 24/7 at the Vernon Hills Police Department, 740 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills, IL 60061.  Click here for a list of other collection boxes in Lake County.

Please remember this is a program for individuals and not medical offices, businesses, etc.

Prescription Drug Abuse Problem

Most people take medicines only for the reasons their doctors prescribe them. However, an estimated 20% of people in the United States have used prescription drugs for non-medical reasons. This is prescription drug abuse and it is a serious and growing problem.

The availability of drugs is one reason why prescription drug abuse is increasing. Doctors are prescribing more drugs for more health problems than ever before. Online pharmacies make it easy to get prescription drugs without a prescription, even for youngsters.

Improper Disposal

Disposing of drugs through the water method (e.g., flushing them down the toilet) can cause environmental damage and simply throwing them away is no guarantee that animals, or people, won't come in contact with them.

Eagle Scout Project

Instrumental to our participation was the effort made by Eagle Scout Jonathan Rudnick of Vernon Hills, who chose this as his Eagle Scout Project. Jonathan contacted us and requested we install a collection box in our lobby.

After working with him and the Save-a-Star Foundation, we received a collection box and have installed it in the lobby of our 740 Lakeview Parkway building. We are now set to collect those unwanted or expired medications.

Collection Box

 Medicines should be placed in the sea foam green collection box (which looks like a mailbox), where they will be securely held until being turned over to the DEA for destruction. If you are dropping off any liquids, please put them in a plastic bag, in case they leak.

Acceptable Items

Acceptable items are:

Homeopathic remedies Liquid medication in lead-proof containers Medicated ointments, lotions, creams, and oils Medication samples

Over-the-counter medications Pet medications Prescription medications, including controlled substances Vitamins and supplements

Unacceptable Items

Items not being accepted:

Bloody or infectious waste Empty containers Hydrogen Peroxide IV bags

Needles / Sharps* Personal care products Syringes with needles Thermometers

Disposal of Sharps and Medical Waste at Home

* Read some helpful information provided by the Lake County Health Department

Additional Information

Contact our Crime Prevention Unit at 847-247-4889 or email us with any further questions.
Visit the SWALCO web site.