Residents turn in unwanted drugs at the Yarmouth Police Department Saturday. YPD photo.
YARMOUTH – Police departments across Cape Cod took part in the “National Drug Take-Back Day” event Saturday.
Orleans Police dispose of prescription drugs dropped off Saturday.
The event was an opportunity for the public to get rid of expired, unwanted or unused pharmaceuticals and other medications.
Last April, Americans turned in 447 tons of prescription drugs at almost 5,400 sites operated by the DEA across the nation.
Overall, in its 11 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 6.4 million pounds — about 3,200 tons — of pills.
Police said that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.
Flushing medications down the sink or toilet can cause contamination of the water supply.
