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The Michigan State Police is once again taking part in a national initiative that encourages residents to dispose of expired, unused and unwanted prescription pills.
All of MSP's 31 posts will participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
That includes the MSP Iron Mountain post, 1916 N. Stephenson Ave. on the city's North Side.
This is one of two annual events held in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration and other police agencies, MSP advises in a news release.
"Safely disposing of unused and expired medications is a simple step that can have a lasting impact on our communities," said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. "Clearing out medications that are no longer needed and using a safe disposal site can help prevent prescription drug misuse, protect the environment and keep potentially dangerous medications out of the wrong hands."
Unused or expired prescription medications are a public-safety issue, leading to accidental poisoning, overdose and abuse, according to the DEA.
According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-led study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, more than 36,000 children younger than age 5 are treated in emergency departments each year for accidental medication exposures.
Pharmaceutical drugs are just as dangerous as street drugs when taken without a prescription or a doctor's supervision, the DEA advised, adding that the majority of those abusing prescription drugs get them from family and friends, or the home medicine cabinet.
Unused prescription drugs thrown in the trash can be retrieved and abused, or illegally sold. They also can contaminate groundwater or soil. Unused drugs that are flushed can contaminate the water supply. Proper disposal of unused drugs saves lives and protects the environment, according to the DEA and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, or EGLE.
All collected pills will be destroyed; no questions asked. Liquids, inhalers, patches and syringes will not be accepted. The DEA also advises no vitamin/supplements, vapes or recreational marijuana products.
Anyone unable to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day can anonymously surrender prescription drugs at any MSP post from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
For more information about Drug Take Back Day or to search for a collection site by county, city or state, go online to www.DEATakeBack.com.