(WWJ) - The Michigan State Police says now is the time to get rid of those old, unused prescriptions.
October 28 is Prescription Drug Take Back Day and police say prescriptions can be dropped off at the police station or at pharmacies like Walgreens or Rite Aid.
Michigan State Police Lieutenant Rene Gonzalez said it’s important to get rid of those old prescriptions to avoid someone abusing them.
“What we’re seeing is a lot of times people have their old prescription medication and this could be narcotic,” Gonzalez said. “There's always the chance for abuse on that if maybe a teenager or a young adult finds those drugs and wants to try them, there's a good chance they're going to get into those drugs and then it's a good chance for abuse to occur.”
Gonzalez said people should not bring syringes or illegal drugs to the drop off locations.
The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at several police departments as well as the Michigan State Police.
Gonzalez said it’s not a good idea to throw old prescriptions in the garbage or in the toilet because they can break down and get into the ground or water.
To find the closest location, go to the DEA’s “Take Back Day” webpage or the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy webpage.