Mass., NH Police Departments Partipate In Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (CBS/AP) — More than 150 police departments in Massachusetts are taking part in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.

The Drug Enforcement Administration's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is set for Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Officials say medicine that languishes in homes is highly vulnerable to diversion, misuse, and they're urging people to drop the drugs off at police stations.

The twice-annual event being held on Saturday allows residents to safely dispose of potentially dangerous prescription drugs that have expired or are no longer needed.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration says law enforcement agencies collected nearly 900,000 pounds of unwanted medicines around the country during a drug take-back day in April.

The DEA says pills and patches can be accepted, but no liquids or needles.

New Hampshire police stations and community groups are once again participating in the event as well.

In total, there will be 566 collection sites throughout New England on Saturday.

During a similar event in April, more than 12,500 pounds of medication was collected in New Hampshire.

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