On April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Round Rock Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your medications for disposal to 2701 N. Mays Street in Round Rock. Over-the counter and pet medications will also be accepted. Needles, syringes, thermometers, IV bags, medical devices and personal care products will not be accepted. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Take-back programs are the safest method for disposing of prescription drugs because they are organized and closely monitored by local, state, and federal government agencies. These agencies ensure the proper disposal of the drugs in accordance with federal law.

Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.