Special Material Drop Off Programs

SWANCC Special Materials Drop-Off Program To Resume April 1, 2021

After being suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Village of Palatine is pleased to announce that the Special Materials Drop-off Program will be resuming on April 1, 2021. In cooperation with the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC), this free drop-off program is for residentially-generated special materials including pharmaceuticals, sharps, mercury thermometers, compact florescent light bulbs (CFL’s), and 4’ florescent light tubes. 
 
Many of these materials collected as part of SWANCC’s residential special material programs have recoverability, recyclability, or require special disposal for environmental concerns. Only residential waste is accepted. No waste will be accepted from business, schools, or institutions. 

Collection Location and Times:

Village of Palatine

200 E. Wood Street
Community Services Counter – First Floor                  

Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Pharmaceuticals

Bring residentially-generated pharmaceuticals, including over-the-counter, non-controlled medications. See list below for acceptable and unacceptable items. No controlled substances will be accepted.  Pharmaceuticals must be in the original container with labels to identify contents. Personal information such as name, address or phone on the prescription 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. Controlled substances can be crushed and mixed with an undesirable substance like coffee grounds or kitty litter, and then thrown away in the garbage.


Most Common Controlled Substances – Not Accepted!

Actiq® (fentanyl citrate)

Tequin® Tablets (gatifl oxacin)

Daytrana™ Transdermal Patch

(methylphenidate)

Zerit® for Oral Solution (stavudine)

Duragesic® Transdermal System (fentanyl)

Meperidine HCl tablets

Oxycontin® (Oxycodone)

Reyataz® Capsules (atazanavir sulfate)

Avinza® capsules (morphine sulfate)

Xyrem® (Sodium oxybate)

Baraclude® tablets (entecavir)

Fentora® (fentanyl buccal tablet)

Percocet® (oxycodone and acetaminophen)

Sharps/Needles

Bring residentially-generated sharps/needles in a red biohazard container or a rigid plastic laundry detergent bottle with a lid or a coffee can.  Containers must have a clear visible lid or be opened by resident upon request to view contents. All sharps/needles must be put into containers at home. No loose or bagged sharps/needles will be accepted. The Environmental Health Division will also provide a free 1-quart or 1-gallon sharps container to residents who administer home-injections, while supplies last. When the sharps/needles container is full, the resident should bring the container back for proper disposal.

Mercury Thermometers

Bring residentially-generated mercury containing items such as thermometers, thermostats and wall switches.  All mercury containing items shall be in a sealed in a plastic bag.

Compact Florescent Light Bulbs (CFL’s) and Florescent Tubes

Bring residentially-generated light bulbs that contain mercury, such as compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs that come in many shapes and sizes.  Bring up to 4’ in length fluorescent light tubes that are sealed in a plastic bag.  Do not bring any incandescent bulbs, as they contain no mercury and can be disposed of in the garbage.  Broken light bulbs will not be accepted.

For additional information regarding the special materials drop off programs, contact the Environmental Health Division at (847) 359-9042.