Get Rid Of Old, Expired Prescription Drugs During Take Back Event

DENVER (CBS4) - Authorities across Colorado are getting ready to help people dispose of unused and expired medications as part of Saturday's prescription drug take back event.

Prescription drug abuse is a serious problem and studies show many pill abusers get them from unsuspecting friends and family.

"It's Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in about 40 to 50 sites around the Denver metro area. There are over 100 sites across the state," said Donna Kusuda, chairwoman of "Think About It Colorado."

Think About It Colorado is a non-profit organization that focuses on patient safety.

Experts say it's not only expired medications that pose a hazard, getting rid of the unused drugs helps keep them out of the wrong hands.

"Children get curious and get in the medicine cabinet and take them," said Kusuda.

Before getting rid of those medications, be sure to scratch off any identifying information.

Last year Americans turned in 371 tons of unused drugs at thousands of sites nationwide.

LINKS: www.dea.gov or www.thinkaboutitcolorado.org