Make Sure Prescription Drugs Are Properly Disposed Of

DENVER (CBS4)- Old prescriptions and expired over-the-counter medications can be dangerous. This Saturday, you can safely get rid of pills you don't need anymore.

The Drug Enforcement Administration will host the National Prescription Drug Take-Back day April 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There are 126 locations in Colorado where people can drop off prescription drugs- no questions asked.

More Americans abuse prescription drugs than those who use cocaine, hallucinogens and heroin combined.

"Over one in three children in high school admit right now in the last year that they've abused prescription drugs," said DEA Asst. Special Agent in Charge David Schiller.

More than 414 people in Colorado died last year from the abuse of prescription drugs.

During the three previous take-back days nationwide, there have been nearly a million pounds of prescription drugs turned in. It's not just about preventing abuse but making sure the drugs are properly disposed of.

"If you flush them down the toilet or sink, it's showing up now that they're contaminating our waterways," said Schiller.

RELATED LINK: Find drug take-back locations in Colorado: justice.gov/dea