SWANCC Drop Off Disposal Programs
The Environmental Health Division is offering free drop off disposal programs for prescription drugs, sharps, mercury thermometers and compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL’s) which are sponsored by the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC).
Participation will ensure environmentally-safe disposal, prevent needle-stick injuries and guard against potential theft associated with the disposal of old medications in the garbage.
These programs are offered only to residents of SWANCC member communities. Identification is required for verification of residency. Residential waste accepted only. No waste will be accepted from businesses, schools or hospitals.
Collection Location and Times:
Where: Village of Palatine
Environmental Health Division
200 E Wood Street
When: Monday - Friday
From 9:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m.
Prescription Drugs
No controlled substances will be accepted. For a list of controlled substances visit
http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/index.html or contact the Environmental Health Division at (847) 359-9090. Bring pharmaceuticals in their original containers with labels to identify contents. Personal information on the label can be blackened out.
Acceptable Items: Unused and expired prescription medications, prescription cough syrup, prescription eye and ear drops,
and unused and expired over the counter medications.
Unacceptable Items: Controlled substances and non-prescription liquids.
Sharps/Needles
Bring sharps only in a rigid container with a lid. Containers must have a clear visible lid or be opened by resident upon request to view contents. No loose or bagged sharps will be accepted. The Environmental Health Division will also provide a free one-quart sharps container to residents who administer home-injections, while supplies last. When the sharps container is full, the resident should bring the container back for proper disposal.
Mercury Thermometers, Thermostats and Wall Switches
Bring mercury containing thermometers, thermostats and wall switches sealed in a plastic bag. Mercury thermometers will be exchanged for a new mercury-free thermometer at no cost, while supplies last. Mercury-containing products should be replaced with safer alternatives, whenever possible, to cut down on potential health risks.
Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs and Fluorescent Lights
Bring compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL’s) and up to 4’ fluorescent lights sealed in a plastic bag. Broken light bulbs will not be accepted.
Batteries
Bring household alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V) and rechargeable (NiCd, NiMh, lithium ion, lithium polymer) . Please note rechargeable batteries must have masking tape or contact points or be contained in an individual self-locking plastic bag.
Battery collection containers are located in the main lobby and may be dropped off Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
For additional information regarding the drop off disposal programs contact the
Environmental Health Division at (847) 359-9090 or SWANCC at (847) 724-9205 or visit www.swancc.org.