It’s an effort to see our waterways clean and keep prescription medications out of the hands of people who seek to abuse them

This Saturday is the Lawrence County Drug Take Back Day, which is sponsored annually by the Lawrence Scioto Solid Waste Management District and sheriff’s office.

The event will once again be from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Ironton Hills Shopping Center. Last year’s event saw a record number of cars drive through to dispose of unwanted pills, liquid medications and used sharps.

Studies by the EPA have shown that medications that have been flushed down toilets do show up in local water sources. Water treatment plants are designed to remove biodegradable material from the water, not man-made chemical pollutants.

The best way to get rid of your unwanted medications in through this convenient and anonymous event.

The effort also ensures prescriptions don’t end up on the streets for sale and could potentially prevent an accidental poisoning should a child find these medications in your home.

While you’re sprucing up your home with spring-cleaning, don’t forget to check your medicine cabinets. And if you can’t make it Saturday, the sheriff’s office has a secure prescription take back bin in the lobby. There simply is no excuse for not taking advantage of this service.