The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality encourages people throughout the state to take part in a nationwide effort to collect unused, unwanted or expired medications so they can be disposed of properly. The event takes place at locations throughout Oregon on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The federal Drug Enforcement Administration, in association with hundreds of law enforcement, public health and other organizations, conduct the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.

The day-long collection event will help people dispose of drugs in a way that's safe for both people and the environment. Flushing unwanted drugs down the toilet or drain ends up polluting waterways, as many drugs pass through wastewater treatment filtering systems.

More than 50 collection events will take place in Oregon. For details on event locations and times, check the Drug Enforcement Administration website at:www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/ You can select events by city, county and zip code.

Only prescription and over-the-counter medications will be accepted at the take-back events. People should not bring needles, IV solutions, mercury thermometers or medical waste. No illegal drugs such as meth or cocaine should be brought to the events.

For people unable to take part in the event, unwanted and unused drugs are accepted throughout the year at more than 80 locations in Oregon. For a list of these sites, go to DEQ's website http://www.deq.state.or.us/lq/sw/hhw/pharmaceuticals.htm or contact your local police or sheriff's office for more information.

Contact: Tim Henkle, Household Hazardous Waste Program, Portland, 503-229-6495