Anyone with an unused prescription or over-the-counter medicines can discard them safely as part of the upcoming Drug Take Back Day.

The day is co-sponsored by The Chambers County Drug Task Force and the East Alabama Mental Health Center.    

Drugs can be dropped off at the Valley Police Department, Valley Walmart, Lanett Police Department, and the Chambers County Courthouse between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26. Most area police departments also have a receptacle for collecting unused prescriptions year-round.

“We’re taking some new items this year,” Captain Robert Chambers of the Chambers County Drug Task Force said. “We’re also taking e-cigarettes and vaping devices.”   

The collection at the courthouse takes any prescription medicine except needles and inhalants, according to Major T.J. Wood of the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office.

Lanett is not part of Drug Take Back Day, but the city has a bin in the front office of the police department. Patrol Commander Richard Casner said the receptacle is for prescription and over-the-counter drugs. 

“If you have anything illegal, turn it in to an officer,” he said. 

For prescription meds, the department collects them with no questions asked, according to Casner.

“We take precautions when we package them and send them to the DEA, who disposes of them,” he said.

The Troup County Sheriff’s Office also has a year-round option.

“We have a box in the lobby every day of the week,” TCSO Sgt. Stewart Smith said. “No needles are accepted, and nothing illegal, and loose pills must be in a container. But we take anything prescription or over the counter.”

Chambers said this is a critical mission for all law enforcement officers.

“This is real important,” Chambers said. “It keeps meds out of the hands of kids and from people addicted to drugs.”