*Published:* 10.20.2021 *Contact:* Amanda Mueller Deputy Public Information Officer Public Safety 412-510-6314 amanda.mueller@pittsburghpa.gov National Prescription Take Back Day is Saturday, October 23, 2021 PITTSBURGH, PA (October 20, 2021) -- Pharmaceutical or prescription drugs can be just as dangerous as unregulated substances, because addiction can oftentimes begin with what’s inside your medicine cabinet. In 2019, nearly 10 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Nearly 5% of children ages 12 to 17 have reported non-medical drug use over the past year, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Together with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Pittsburgh is working towards making the community safer, starting at home. *On Saturday, October 23 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.*, Pittsburgh will participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s 21st Annual Prescription Drug Takeback Day. In April, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police collected 34 boxes with a combined total weight of 672 pounds of prescription medications. Nationally, 420 tons of expired or unused medications were collected at over 5,000 collection sites. “Many people may not realize the proper disposal of unused or expired prescription drugs can actually save lives,” said Sergeant Rebecca Bassano, Pittsburgh Police Narcotics and Vice. “Dropping off pill bottles at a disposal location can prevent them from getting into the wrong hands.” Expired or unused prescription drugs can be a public safety hazard leading to poisoning, accidental overdoses, or abuse. Proper disposal can also protect the environment. All expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs can be dropped off at the following locations this Saturday: Zone 1: 1501 Brighton Rd, 15212 Zone 2: 2000 Centre Ave, 15219 Zone 3: 830 E Warrington Ave, 15210 Zone 4: 5858 Northumberland St, 15217 Zone 5: 1401 Washington Blvd, 15206 Zone 6: 312 South Main St, 15220 Police Headquarters: 1203 Western Ave, 15233 For those who can’t participate this weekend, permanent drop-off boxes are located at Pittsburgh Police Headquarters and Zone 6. For more information about the safe disposal of prescription drugs or about the October 23rd Take Back Day event, visit www.DEATakeBack.com <http://www.deatakeback.com/>. ------------------------------ . LaptopCupGreenMarker -- Click here to visit our website <https://hpccpgh.org/>