National Prescription Drug 'Take-Back' coming Saturday

Finding a place to turn in unused prescription medicines, especially narcotic painkillers like Vicodin and oxycodone, can be a headache. The 10th National Prescription Drug "Take-Back" from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, is your chance to easily dispose of the unwanted prescriptions in your medicine chest.

Many local police departments are participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration effort, including Arlington Heights, Barrington, Buffalo Grove, Des Plaines, Elk Grove, Hoffman Estates, Mount Prospect, Palatine, Prospect Heights, Rolling Meadows and Streamwood.

Drugs turned in can be in a plastic bag rather than original containers. Most sites don't accept liquids or needles.

Flushing drugs down the toilet or throwing them away can be a safety and health hazard. But experts say keeping old prescriptions around increases the chances of accidental poisonings and overdoses, and theft by family and friends.

"Prescription drug abuse is a huge problem and this is a great opportunity for folks around the country to help reduce the threat," Prospect Heights Chief James Dunne said in a news release.

Last September, Americans turned in 309 tons of prescription drugs at nearly 5,500 sites. For more information, go to the DEA Office of Diversion Control website, or call your local police department.