Prescription drug take-back day set for Saturday

Douglas County residents can drop off expired, unused or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter drugs on Saturday as part of the nationwide prescription drug take-back day organized by the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration.

The public can dispose of drugs at the short-term parking lot next to the county courthouse, 111 E. 11th St., or at the Lawrence Police Department, 4820 Bob Billings Parkway, on from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The disposal is free and anonymous.

Because of high turnout at past events, the Sheriff’s Office established an ongoing medication disposal program that started July 23. People can drop off medications at the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center any business day during the year between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. According to the city of Lawrence, hundreds of residents have taken advantage of the program, disposing of hundreds of pounds of medications.

The nationwide take-back day allows participants to properly dispose of unwanted medicines to reduce instances of abuse or accidental poisonings and overdoses.