Crime & Safety
Lake County, IL Drug Take Back Day Set for October 24
Lake Forest, IL – Residents in Lake County will have an opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted or expired medications next Saturday, Oct. 24, as Lake Forest police prepare to host a free drug colle
By Mara Ellison · 2026-10-15T13:47:02.098Z
Lake Forest, IL – Residents in Lake County will have an opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted or expired medications next Saturday, Oct. 24, as Lake Forest police prepare to host a free drug collection event in partnership with Northwestern Medicine and federal authorities.
According to the Lake Forest Police Department , the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, located at 1000 N. Westmoreland Road, Pavilion A, Cancer Center.
The event is part of the Drug Enforcement Administration's nationwide initiative, held twice annually in the spring and fall, to encourage the safe disposal of medications that are no longer needed.
Officials say properly disposing of unused prescription drugs helps prevent medication misuse, accidental exposure and potential environmental contamination.
Residents are encouraged to check their medicine cabinets and bring unwanted or expired medications to the designated collection location during the four hour event.
The department also announced that vape pens and other electronic cigarette devices from individual consumers will be accepted, provided their batteries have been removed beforehand.
The DEA will not remove batteries from these devices.
For Lake Forest residents unable to attend the Oct. 24 event, police say a permanent drug collection box is available year round in the vestibule of the city's Public Safety Building.
However, that collection box does not accept liquids, needles, syringes, lancets, auto injectors, infusion sets or electronic cigarette and vaping devices.
The police department emphasized that community participation plays an important role in keeping potentially hazardous substances out of homes and the environment.
Residents seeking additional information about the event and accepted materials can visit the Lake Forest Police Department's website.
The collection event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.