Law enforcement officers at locations across the state will be collecting unused leftover medications on Saturday.
KMUW’s Abigail Wilson reports the collection events are part of a nationwide effort to safely dispose of leftover medications in order to prevent accidental or intentional misuse.
Since the Kansas Medication Disposal Program began in 2010, more than 38 tons of unwanted medications have been collected and destroyed.
According to the Kansas Attorney Generals office, medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to misuse and abuse.
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are increasing, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses. Studies show a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.
Officials say leftover medication should not be flushed down the toilet or thrown in the trash.
Locations accepting medication for drop off in Sedgwick County include the Sedgwick County Zoo, the Household Hazardous Waste Center, and the Oaklawn Activity Center.
Medications will be accepted at drop-off sites across the state from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. To find a location, visit www.ag.ks.gov.
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