Apr 28, 2016 2 min read

The Washington County Police Chiefs Association will participate in Saturday’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, giving the public an opportunity to dispose of unwanted medications.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 13 sites through the county will accept unwanted, unused prescription drugs. The service is free and anonymous.

In the previous 10 Take-Back events, the Drug Enforcement Administration and partners have taken in over 5.5 million pounds of pills.

Medicines that languish in homes are susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. In addition, flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash are potential safety and health hazards.

“Unwanted prescription medications left at home can endanger children and seniors. Disposing of unwanted and unused prescription medication through the Take-Back program is environmentally friendly,” said R.T. Bell, association president. “The Take-Back program is probably the safest, most cost-effective and convenient way to prevent drug abuse before it happens in our communities.”

Collection sites are Shop ‘n Save, Canonsburg; Chartiers Township police station; Mt. Pleasant Township municipal building, Hickory; Washington Crown Center, main entrance, Washington; state police barracks, Washington; Giant Eagle, McMurray; Market District, McMurray; Heisler’s Market, McMurray; Peters Township Library, McMurray; Washington County Courthouse, Washington; McDonald police office, McDonald; McDonald police substation, Burgettstown; Monongahela Valley Hospital, Monongahela.