National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs.  The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and Town of Fountain Hills are participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day with a drug drop off event at Town Hall, at 16705 E. Avenue of the Fountains, on Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Unused or expired prescription medications should never be flushed or poured down the drain. These potentially dangerous pharmaceutical substances can contribute to contamination of water supplies if not disposed of properly.

Mix medications with cat litter or used coffee grounds and place in a sealed disposable container or plastic bag. Throw away the container in the trash. Be sure to cover up or remove personal information from medicine bottles or containers before throwing the empty container in the trash.

To learn how to safely dispose of unused or expired medicines go to the Food and Drug Administration website at fda.gov/drugs/safe-disposal-medicines/disposal-unused-medicines-what-you-should-know.

Individuals can make a difference by keeping track of the medicine they have, by rethinking where and how medications are kept in the home, and by safely disposing of any unused medications. Most people who misuse prescription drugs get them from family, friends, and acquaintances.

In addition to the Drug Take Back Day, there is a pill drop off container in the lobby of Town Hall. Residents may drop off their unwanted or unused medications when the Town Hall is open Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.