SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to provide people with better options to discard opioids and other prescription medication, State Senator Patrick Joyce supported a law signed on Friday to create a statewide disposal program.

“Prescription drug abuse is dangerous, and many people can become addicted without even realizing it,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Establishing a statewide drug take-back program provides options to safely dispose of prescription drugs and helps educate the public on the associated risks.”

While some counties in Illinois have already established similar programs, there is no statewide system in place that safely collects and disposes of medications, leaving some counties without a secure way to dispose of prescription substances.

Because of this, people may become addicted to opioids found sitting in their or their family’s medicine cabinets. Additionally, giving people an option to safely dispose of their unused medications rather than flushing them down the toilet or drain will prevent these substances from entering waterways and harming the ecosystem.

“This new law will protect our children and help prevent residents from forming addictions by giving people an option to dispose of prescription drugs,” Joyce said.

House Bill 1780 is now law and is effective immediately.