TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – On Saturday, April 30, 2016, law enforcement around the Tampa Bay area will take part in the National DEA Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Operation Medicine Cabinet event. For a list of all collection sites, visit http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/HILLSBOROUGH

The Hillsborough County Anti Drug Alliance (HCADA) will provide free Deterra(tm) System drug disposal bags to assist citizens with safe and effective home disposal of prescription medications.

Florida has taken great strides in the fight against prescription drug abuse with the pill mill crackdown and the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, but drug overdose deaths are starting to climb back up, according to the Florida Medical Examiners Commission Interim Report for 2015.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, HCADA, Tampa Police Department, USF Police Department and Plant City Police Department are teaming up to help citizens get rid of unused and unwanted prescription medications at four drop box locations.

HCADA will provide free Deterra(tm) System drug disposal bags that deactivate prescription drugs, rendering them ineffective for misuse and safe for the environment.

Citizens may drop off unwanted prescription drugs at four sites throughout Hillsborough County, from 10 am to 2 pm on April 30 and pick up a medication disposal bag to take home. Free medication lock boxes, substance abuse prevention brochures and educational materials will also be available.

Citizens will be able to drop off any prescription medications they no longer use and can remain anonymous, with no questions asked.

Collection sites listed below:

Sponsored by Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office:

CVS Pharmacy

105 S Pebble Beach BlvdSun City Center, FL  33573

Sponsored by Plant City Police Department:

CVS Pharmacy

2302 James L. Redman ParkwayTampa, FL 33563

Sponsored by Tampa Police Department:

Winn Dixie

2525 North Dale Mabry Hwy.Tampa, FL 33607

Sponsored by USF Police Department:

USF Morsani Center

13330 Laurel DriveTampa, FL 33612PINELLAS

Clearwater Police will be at Westfield Countryside Mall on Saturday to collect unused prescription medication from Clearwater residents. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. near L.A. Fitness at the mall, which is located at 27001 U.S. Highway 19 N.

Police officers will be on hand taking unwanted, unused medication from residents for proper disposal. It’s the safest way to get rid of such medication instead of tossing it in the trash or flushing it down the toilet. It’s also a good idea not to leave old medication laying around the house. It can fall into the hands of those it was not intended for, and can also be an easy target for anyone breaking in to a residence.POLK

StandUP Polk, local law enforcement agencies, and event partner GiveWell Community Foundation are proud to join The Drug Enforcement Administration and its national and community partners for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 30, 2016, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, for citizens to dispose of all unwanted, unneeded, and expired medications in a safe manner. Studies show that many are obtained from the home medicine cabinet of family and friends. In addition, many people do not know how to properly dispose of unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards. Our community’s Prescription Drug Take-Back Day will include the following locations in Polk County for citizens to turn in unused, expired, or unwanted Human and Pet Medications, including over the counter medications, vitamins, and other medication in liquid and solid form, for safe and proper disposal. Medications should be placed in a clear, air-tight plastic bag.

Drop-off locations from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm are:

Auburndale Police Department – 2 Bobby Green Plaza, Auburndale, FL

Davenport Police Department- 16 Bay Street West, Davenport, FL

Haines City Police Department – 35400 Highway 27, Haines City, FL

Lakeland Police Department – 219 N. Massachusetts Avenue, Lakeland, FL

Lake Alfred Police Department – 190 N. Seminole Avenue, Lake Alfred, FL

Lake Hamilton Police Department – 100 Smith Avenue, Lake Hamilton, FL

Lake Wales Police Department – 133 E. Tillman Avenue, Lake Wales, FL

Winter Haven Police Department – 125 N. Lake Silver Drive NW, Winter Haven, FLWHAT OTHERS ARE CLICKING ON RIGHT NOW: