Normal, IL – Residents in Normal can safely dispose of old or expired medications this weekend during the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, taking place Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Normal Police Department, 100 E. Phoenix Avenue.
According to the Normal Police Department, the event offers a free and anonymous way for residents to clear out medicine cabinets and prevent prescription drugs from being misused or contaminating local waterways. “No questions asked,” the department emphasized in its announcement.
The semiannual event is part of a national campaign by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to reduce drug misuse and improve community safety. Collection sites across Illinois and the U.S. will accept pills and capsules but cannot take liquids, needles, or sharps.
Last year’s Take Back Day events nationwide collected more than 600,000 pounds of unused medications, according to DEA data. Local officials say each collection helps limit accidental poisonings, prescription abuse, and improper disposal through household trash or drains.
Residents unable to attend Saturday’s event can visit DEATakeBack.com to find additional drop-off sites or year-round disposal options nearby.
The event is open to all McLean County residents, and officials encourage households to check their medicine cabinets before Saturday to participate.
