April 27 is National Drug Take Back Day...giving the public a chance to get rid of old prescription medications.
Drop off sites will be available across the state...accepting prescription drugs, pet medications and vitamins.
State Environmental Protection Agency spokesperson Kim Biggs says it's important not to just throw them in the garbage.
"We can have impacts from the drugs leaking out into landfills and also especially into waterways. We've seen effects of medications being flushed down the toilet, impacts on aquatic life and water quality."
She says collection sites will be available around the state.
"There are no questions asked. They will accept prescription drugs, vitamins, homeopathics remedies, pet medications. They will not dispose of illegal drugs. But, residents are encouraged just to bring the original containers that the prescriptions were in and block out any personal information on the containers and they will be properly disposed of."
Southern Illinois sites for disposal from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 27 include the Carbondale Police Department, Kroger in Carbondale, John A. Logan campus, Lot A, Williamson County Administrative Building, Wal-Mart in Anna, Cobden Police Department, West Frankfort Police Department, West City Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff's office, Du Quoin Police Department, and Pinckneyville Police Department.
