Turn in old medications at library on Saturday

COEUR d'ALENE - The Coeur d'Alene Police Department is sponsoring a Prescription Drug Turn-in Day this Saturday as part of the Drug Enforcement Agency's fifth National Pharmaceutical Drug Take Back Day.

The turn-in will be open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in front of the Coeur d'Alene Library, 702 E. Front Ave. Coeur d'Alene police officers will be on hand to receive and destroy outdated or unused prescription medication.

The purpose of Prescription Drug Turn-in Day is to stop the diversion of medications at the "source" and to help citizens dispose of outdated medications or medications that are no longer needed.

By disposing of the items safely, it also helps our environment because they won't be flushed into the wastewater system.

"There is growing concern that personal care products and pharmaceuticals can pass through a wastewater treatment plant and end up poisoning aquatic life in our rivers and streams," said Wastewater Superintendent Sid Fredrickson. "We ask our citizens not to flush these products down the drain."

Only medications will be accepted - do not bring syringes or biohazards. Sharpies will be provided for the public to mark out any personal information on the prescription bottle. Chief Wayne Longo encourages the public to turn in unused prescription medications.

Info: 769-2320.