The safest and most responsible way to dispose of expired or unwanted medication is to take the medicine to a take-back event. National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, scheduled for October 26, 2013, is an anonymous, free program where you can drop off your unwanted medications rather than throwing them in the trash or flushing them down the sink.

Approximately 6,000 designated sites nationwide will be open on October 26, 2013, for the purpose of receiving your unwanted medications. Many fire and police stations, as well as community centers, will be participating in the event. To find a collection site near you, visit dea.gov or call 800-882-9539.

The following locations in northern Utah County will be receiving unwanted medications on October 26:

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There are several reasons why it is better to take your medications to a take-back center rather than tossing the medications yourself, including removing the possibility of children, grandchildren or pets from accessing the medication, preventing the opportunity for drug abuse, and removing the attraction for theft.

Flushing medication down your sink or toilet (unless specifically directed on medication information) is generally not a good idea since the Food and Drug Administration fears drug residue may remain in the public water supply.

Always keep the medications that you and your family members use secured and out of reach of children and grandchildren. Lock them in a drawer, medicine cabinet or filing cabinet. Alternately, consider purchasing a medicine lock box at your local pharmacy.

For more information about securing your medications, please read this article.