MAINE, USA — April 27 is National Drug Take Back Day, a semi-annual event hosted by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) that gives people the chance to safely dispose of prescription drugs they no longer need.
National Drug Take Back Day began in 2010 and since then over 18 million pounds of drugs have been removed from circulation, according to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).
This marks the first drug take-back day this year in Maine after authorities postponed the October collection following the mass shootings in Lewiston.
The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office said because of the cancellation in October, they anticipate a large turnout this weekend.
Chief Deputy Brian Pellerin told NEWS CENTER Maine the sheriff's office is a central repository for all the drugs received in the county.
"Our deputies are assigned to several drop-off points throughout Cumberland County and municipal police departments in the county are participating as well. Every take-back event seems to bring in more medications than the previous event." Pellerin said.
Drop-off locations will be accepting all medications in any form, pill, liquid, or tablet, including hypodermic needles, he said.
"There are no questions asked and trained staff is on site ready to receive them and prepare them for disposal," he added.
Pellerin stressed the importance of the national event.
"Drug take-back events are important because they provide a way for expired, unused, or leftover prescription medications to be removed from households that can be disposed of in a safe manner that helps to prevent diversion for potential abuse," Pellerin said. "They also prevent accidental use by a member of the household, and it is a safe way to dispose of these drugs without endangering the environment."
The Portland Police Department will also collect unwanted prescriptions in the Back Cove parking lot across from Hannaford's located at 295 Forest Ave.
"The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications," the Portland Police Department stated in a news release.
Multiple law enforcement agencies across the state will be accepting unwanted prescription drugs throughout the day Saturday.
To search for a drop-off location near you, click here.