Safely get rid of unused drugs during statewide collection day

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For a second time this year, state agencies will collect and dispose of expired or unused prescription medications Saturday at various locations around the state.

Since September 2010, Hawaii, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands have collected nearly 6,700 pounds of expired and unused prescription medications, according to a news release from the state Department of the Attorney General.

The free and anonymous drop-off service, dubbed the National Take-Back Initiative, accepts tablets, capsules and other solid-form medicine doses, the release stated. The effort is aimed at preventing pill abuse and theft.

According to data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the number of adults between 18 and 25 years old who used prescription drugs for nonmedical purposes in the month prior to being surveyed declined 15 percent, from 2 million in 2010 to 1.7 million in 2011.

The fifth National Take-Back Initiative will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the following locations:

OAHU

» State Capitol

» Kapolei police substation parking lot, 1100 Kamokila Blvd.

» Pearl Harbor Navy Exchange, 4725 Bougainville Drive

» Schofield Barracks Army and Air Force Exchange Service Post Exchange, near the flower shop

» Town Center of Mililani, in the middle of the center

» Windward Mall center court area

HAWAII ISLAND

» Army Aviation Support Facility adjacent to Civil Air Patrol, 1095 Kekuanaoa St., Hilo

» Hawaii County Police Department Kona Police Station parking lot, 75-5221 Queen Kaahumanu Highway, Kailua-Kona

MAUI

» Maui County Police Department parking lot, 55 Mahalani St.

KAUAI

» Kauai Police Department parking lot, 3990 Kaana St.

The initiative will have an informational booth at the Hawaii Seniors’ Fair at the Blaisdell Center from today through Sunday. Residents can drop off their used and expired medication there as well.

The Department of the Attorney General, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Narcotics Enforcement Division of the state Department of Public Safety are coordinating the event. Visit www.dea.gov for more information.