The Geneva Police Department will be working with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in collecting expired or unwanted prescription medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22 as part of the National Drug Take-Back Day.

People can turn in their medications throughout the day to the records specialist at the front desk of the Police Department, 20 Police Plaza. The following pills or patches that will be accepted include:

• Prescription medications
• Medication samples
• Over-the-counter medications
• Vitamins
• Pet medications
• Non-controlled DEA drugs

Pills should be removed from their original container by pouring them directly into a plastic bag. People should take any empty prescription bottles and boxes that may contain any personal information back home.

The Police Department will not be accepting any liquids, ointments, illegal substances/narcotics, thermometers, IV bags, sharps/needles, bloody or infectious waste, and empty containers.

This is the 12th time in six years Geneva Police have participated in the drug-take back program for the public. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. After 2 p.m. Oct. 22, the Police Department will revert to its current practice of accepting unused medication from only Geneva residents.

Started in 2010, this initiative aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs. These medications should not be flushed down the toilet or sink because they could end up in local drinking water supplies. By turning in old medications, people are preventing pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs, visit the DEA’s website at the link below.