SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The South Hutchinson Police Department will once again participate in the statewide Drug Take Back Day. The event, which is held twice a year, will be Saturday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the South Hutchinson Police Department.

This is the 12th opportunity in six years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your pills for disposal to the South Hutchinson Police Department at 10 E. Blanchard Ave. There are some limitations as the DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Last April, Americans turned in 447 tons (over 893,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,400 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,200 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 11 previous Take Back events, the DEA and its partners have taken in over 6.4 million pounds — about 3,200 tons — of pills.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the Oct. 22 Take Back Day event, go to the DEA Diversion website.