'Take Back Day' Saturday to dispose safely of prescription drugs

Oct. 23 is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, an opportunity for the public to safely dispose of unwanted or expired tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription drugs. The event offers free and anonymous disposal of unneeded medications at more than 4,000 local drop-off locations nationwide. Over the past 10 years, the Drug Enforcement Administration event has collected more than 7,000 tons of prescription drugs, including opioid and other medications susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. DEA offers posters and other materials to help hospitals and other partners promote the event in their community. Collection sites should be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time.