Dispose of old prescription drugs safely this weekend

Yuma-area residents wanting to clean out medicine cabinets filled with expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs will be able to dispose of them safely this weekend during the fifth annual “Take-Back Day” event.

The event, designed to reduce prescription drug abuse and theft, will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot of the Yuma Police Department, 1500 S. 1st Ave.

Similar events will be held nationwide in partnership between the Drug Enforcement Administration and local police.

“Arizonans responded overwhelmingly to DEA's four previous Take-Back Day events, disposing of close to 27,000 pounds of pharmaceutical drugs in the past two years,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Doug Coleman.

Those who wish to dispose of prescription drugs in Yuma are asked to drop off their unwanted medications at a designated drop-off point set up in the YPD parking lot.

All expired or unwanted controlled, non-controlled and over the counter medicines are accepted.

Participants may dispose of medication in the original container or by removing the medication from the container and placing it directly into the disposal box.

Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in the original plastic container.

While the program is anonymous, residents are encouraged to remove their personal information from the prescription labels before turning in the containers.

Glass containers, intravenous solutions, syringes or illegal substances such as cocaine, heroin, marijuana or methamphetamine will not be accepted.

For more information, call YPD at 373-4700.