The DEA said only pills and patches are acceptable at the drop-off day.
If your cabinets are filled with leftover prescription drugs, you'll have an opportunity to clean them out on Saturday.
The Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is a chance to get rid of unwanted medications or expired pills. It's sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration, in partnership with local police departments across the state, as a "no-questions asked" way to get rid of old medication.
Having the disposal option is important, particularly in rural areas, according to Jill Spineti, president of the Governor's Prevention Partnership, which works to keep young adults drug free.
"We're talking hundreds and hundreds of pounds that are taken back at each site. It's amazing how many unwanted prescription drugs are out there," Spineti said. "We don't want young people -- or anybody -- to get access to prescription drugs. They could experiment and then go on to full-blown addiction."
Brian Boyle, an agent with the DEA, said addiction can get expensive. "If you're going to buy a pill, it's $30-$40 a pill. They then turn to heroin use, which you can buy for $3.00 to $5.00 bag of heroin," Boyle said. "We are trying to go after and control the prescription pill problem... with the hopes that will stop the new users of heroin."
The DEA said only pills and patches are acceptable at the drop-off day. Needles, liquids or sharps, won't be accepted.
This week, the Connecticut State Police announced it will install permanent prescription drug disposal kiosks at all eleven state police barracks.
They join a list of about 60 other police departments across the state that have a 24/7 drop-off box in their department.
The National Prescription Take-Back Day is scheduled for Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Here is a full list of collection sites in your neighborhood or call (800) 882-9539 for more information.
Mary Lou Cooke contributed to this report.
