The Police Department and Board of Health are teaming up for a prescription drug disposal day on September 25 as part of a nationwide Operation Meds Sweep by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wareham Fire Department, 273 Main St,, residents can bring expired, unused and unneeded medications to be collected and safely disposed of by the Drug Enforcement Administration at no cost.

Chief Richard Stanley urges Wareham residents to take advantage of this opportunity.

"Prescription drugs are abused by young people in greater numbers than cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens and inhalants combined," Stanley said in a press release. "Young people believe that these drugs are safer than so-called street drugs when in fact non-medical use of these drugs can be very dangerous and highly addictive."

"We are involved in this effort in order to help get these potentially dangerous drugs out of your homes and disposed of legally and safely. Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem and one that we all need to address," added Chief Richard Stanley. "On an ongoing basis, parents and grandparents need to monitor their prescriptions closely to ensure that their children or children's friends don't have access to these drugs. For example, keeping medication in the bathroom, while common, makes it easy for a curious teen to get their hands on these drugs."

The prescription drug disposal is completely anonymous and free of charge for residential users. (Syringes, needles, medical devices, thermometers, and IV bags cannot be accepted).

For more information, please contact Detective Alan Courchesne, 508-295-1212 ext 238 alan_courchesne@warehampolice.com. or Ms. Suzanne Burke at 508-291-3100 ext. 3197 or sburke@wareham.ma.us. You can also go to www.dea.gov to find a collection site near you.