Kirkland Participating in "Prescription Take-Back Day"

The Kirkland Police Department will be accepting for disposal expired and unwanted prescription drugs on Saturday as part of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s "National Prescription Take-Back Day."

The idea is to safely get rid of unnecessary drugs people may have that are potentially dangerous.

If you have any, you may bring them to the Kirkland Police Department lobby at the south entrance of , 123 5th Ave., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The service is free and anonymous.

According to DEA, this effort addresses a public safety and health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.

In addition, the traditional methods for disposing of unused medicines -- in the toilet or trash -- pose potential environmental and health hazards.

The Kirkland Public Works Department also encourages residents to return unwanted medicines. For a list of local authorized collection sites, visit www.kirklandwa.gov and search for “Medicine Return.”