Local residents can safely dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs during next week’s Drug Take-Back Day.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29, the public can drop off expired, unused and unwanted prescription medications at the Sheriff ‘s Office at 5521 E. Harbor Road, Freeland, the Coupeville Marshal’s Office at 4 N.E. Seventh St., or the Oak Harbor Police Department at 860 S.E. Barrington Dr. The service is free and anonymous, and provides the opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft.

Medicines that stay in home cabinets are susceptible to misuse and abuse and Americans are also advised that flushing drugs down the toilet or throwing them in the trash pose potential safety, health and environmental hazards.

In April, Americans turned in 276 tons of prescription drugs at more than 5,600 sites operated by the federal Drug Enforcement Agency and nearly 4,300 state and local law enforcement partners.

Local law enforcement agencies will hold prescription drug take-back events every few months, until new regulations for disposal are in place.