From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, October 28, 2017, the National Take Back initiative in the Sedgwick County area will collect any expired or unwanted prescriptions or over-the-counter medications. Proper disposal will protect kids, families and the environment.

This free initiative is sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration in cooperation with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff’s Office personnel will staff three drop off locations: the Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 W. Zoo Blvd.; the Household Hazardous Waste Center, 801 W. Stillwell; and the Oaklawn Activity Center, 4904 S. Clifton. Syringes and other injectables cannot be accepted.

Prescription drug abuse in the United States is increasing at an alarming rate, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses.

Many citizens are not aware of how to properly dispose of their unused medications. Flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them away creates a potential safety and health hazard.

The National Take Back initiative offers a safe, easy way to dispose of any unwanted medications.