MEDIA RELEASE

Local and state agencies are joining in a nationwide prescription drug take-back program.

Members of the public can turn in unused, unneeded or expired prescription medications at collection sites for safe, anonymous disposal.

Prescription drugs may be turned in Nov. 20 at Longs Drugs at Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo, and Dec. 11 at Longs Drugs at Lanihau Center in Kailua-Kona.

Tablets, capsules and all other solid dosage forms will be accepted.

Intravenous solutions, injectables and syringes won’t be accepted. The drugs will be incinerated according to federal and state environmental guidelines.

Unused and expired medicine in the home increases the risk of prescription drug abuse and accidental poisoning.

Proper disposal also helps reduce the risk of prescription drugs entering the water supply or potentially harming aquatic life.

For more information about the drug take-back program, visit the state Attorney General’s website at http://hawaii.gov/ag and click on “Hawaii Drug Take-Back Program.”