The Wareham Police Department will host a prescription drug take-back and disposal day on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wareham Fire Department, located at 273 Main Street.

Police are encouraging residents to drop off expired, unused, and unneeded medications, which will be disposed of by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The event is part of a nationwide initiative and is conducted at no cost to local towns.

"Prescription drugs are currently abused by [more people] … than cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, and inhalants combined," explained Wareham Police Chief Richard Stanley. "Non-medical use of prescription drugs is very dangerous, and leads to a high rate of addition. In most cases, people are able to obtain these drugs from their homes or from a friend's home."

Disposing of prescription drugs is anonymous and free-of-charge for residents. Syringes, needles, medical devices, thermometers, and IV bags cannot be accepted.

For more information, contact Detective Allan Courchesne at 508-295-1212, ext. 2238, daily during the hours of 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., or e-mail alan_courchesne@warehampolice.com.