Leftover medication can be dangerous and poses threats to our communities. You can dispose of your unused or unwanted medication during the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, at sites across Missouri.

This biannual event hosted by the DEA offers free, anonymous disposal at over 4,000 local drop-off locations nationwide.

DEA and law-enforcement partners will be collecting unwanted tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription drugs.

According to the DEA, liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps and illicit drugs will not be accepted. They will accept vaping devices and cartridges provided the lithium batteries are removed.

“Disposal of unneeded and potentially dangerous drugs can help keep our communities safe and healthy,” Missouri Board of Pharmacy Executive Director Kimberly Grinston said. “It’s important that we all do our part to prevent these drugs from being misused and prevent overdose deaths.”

You can find an April 30 DEA collection site near you by visiting www.DEATakeBack.com.

Year-round collection sites are also available at many local pharmacies, hospitals, police departments and businesses. You can find a year-round public collection site near you at <https://apps.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main;jsessionid=iAmDEh9PLyLyJRN6BjIcxTJQgUT4gt8KWwnbr4JO.web2?execution=e1s1>.