caption freeform

P2D2: Presciption Drug Recycling Program

Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal
The Police Department, Highland Park High School’s Green School Initiative and the Save-A-Star Drug Awareness Foundation have joined together to create P2D2, an environmentally-safe prescription drug recycling program. There is no way to prevent prescription drugs from entering the water system once they are flushed down a drain or toilet. Once in the water, these pharmaceuticals become integrated with the water and most treatment plants are unable to remove such chemicals from the water supply. Fish and other wildlife in Lake Michigan are negatively affected and may show signs of neurological and physiological damage. Unused portions of drugs in medicine cabinets also pose a danger to children who may accidentally ingest them, or to others who may use these drugs for recreational purposes. 

The City has one collection site available to residents. The Police Department lobby, 1677 Old Deerfield Road, is open for the disposal of unused medications 24-hours a day. Residents are advised to make sure that all liquids are in tightly sealed containers. If returning pills without the bottle, please place them in a plastic bag. Drugs that are disposed of at local collection sites will be collected by the Highland Park Police Department and incinerated. 

The following items are acceptable for disposal:

  • Prescription medications, including controlled substances
  • All over-the-counter medication
  • Medication samples
  • Pet medication
  • Vitamins and supplements
  • Medicated ointments, lotions, creams, and oils
  • Liquid medication in leak-proof containers
  • Homeopathic remedies

The following items are not acceptable for deposit in the collection unit:

  • Needles/sharps
  • Syringes with needles
  • Thermometers
  • IV bags
  • Bloody or infectious waste
  • Personal care products
  • Empty containers
  • Hydrogen Peroxide


For more information, please contact Property Custodian Jay Morris at 847.432.7730.