Dispose of unused drugs safely, anonymously Saturday

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Several Mahoning County police departments are serving as drop-off sites for National Drug Take Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The service is free and anonymous, and no questions are asked.

Medicines play an important role in treating certain conditions and diseases. However, unused medicines are highly susceptible to misuse and abuse, and they need to be disposed of properly to avoid harm to the environment, said the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, sponsor with local partners of the event.

Rates of prescription drug abuse are high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are taken from family and friends from the home medicine cabinet.

The usual method of flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash is no longer recommended due to potential safety and health hazards, officials said.

To properly dispose of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted medications, bring medications (no sharps, liquids, or medical waste) to these sites:

Austintown Police Department, 92 Ohltown Road.

Beaver Police Department, 601 W. South Range Road, North Lima.

Boardman Police Department, 8299 Market St.

New Middletown Police Department, 10711 Main St.

Struthers Police Department, 6 Elm St.

For information or to verify participating locations, go to http://www.dea.gov.