Several law enforcement agencies are participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

COLUMBIA, Missouri (KMIZ)

Several law enforcement agencies in mid-Missouri are participating in National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, with various locations open for those looking to safely get rid of medications.

According to the FDA, having unused and expired medications in the home poses a major safety risk. According to Poison Control, painkillers, cardiovascular medications and other prescription medications account for just over 36% of adult poison control calls.

The Missouri Department of Mental Health says some medications deteriorate over time and that combining similar pill bottles with expired medications can increase the risk of drug abuse.

In Cooper County, the Booneville Police Department will hold its Take Back event at the Boonville Fire Department on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m

The Jefferson City Police Department will also host an event at the Jefferson City Police Department on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Boone County Sheriff's Department held two drug take-back events Friday and will have several drug collection sites open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m

Participating locations in Boone County:

• Kilgores Pharmacy – Ashland
• Rock Bridge High School
• Hickman Sr. High School
• Hallsville Police Department
• Centralia Police Department

Both liquid medications and tablets are accepted at all Drug Take Back events. Used needles are not permitted. Jefferson City police are asking those dispensing medications to remove all labels from containers before throwing them away.

Anyone unable to attend Saturday's events is encouraged to utilize the City of Columbia's Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program. Some Walgreens also have locations with a medication disposal kiosk.

Additionally, the FDA has a flush list of medications that are allowed to be flushed down the drain.

For syringes or sharp objects, the Missouri Department of Health recommends contacting a local health department for proper disposal.