(Michigan City, IN) - Residents will have a chance to safely discard of their unneeded prescription medication.

 

On Saturday, the Michigan City Police Department will be among the nearly 5,000 drop off locations nationwide during the annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day sponsored by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.

 

According to police, the purpose of the event is to remove old, unwanted or expired medications from homes so they don’t become a gateway for addiction.

 

More than 19 million pounds of medication has been collected since the start of the event more than a decade ago, police said.

 

Medications can be disposed of anonymously and at no cost in the main lobby of the Michigan City Police Department from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs will not be accepted.

 

Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain tightly sealed in their original container to prevent leakage, police said. 

 

For more information and to find a collection site near you, visit www.DEATakeBack.com.