The Hawaii Police Department is encouraging the public to participate in a nationwide prescription drug take-back initiative.
On Saturday, Oct. 24, members of the public may turn in unused, unneeded or expired prescription medications between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the following collection sites for safe, anonymous disposal:
Ka Waena Lapaau Medical Complex parking lot, 670 Ponahawai Street, Hilo
Kona Police Station, 74-0611 Hale Makai Place, Kailua-Kona
Tablets, capsules and all other solid dosage forms of medication will be accepted. New or used needles and syringes will not be accepted.
Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not a part of this initiative.
Having unused and expired medicine in your home increases the risk of prescription drug abuse and accidental poisoning. Proper disposal also helps reduce the risk of prescription drugs entering a human water supply or potentially harming aquatic life.
For more information about the drug take-back program, visit www.dea.gov.