National Drug Take-Back Day to be held April 27

Greg Thrash, resident agent in charge with the Drug Enforcement Agency's Austin office, said it's important for residents to get rid of unwanted prescriptions so the drugs don't end up being abused.

"We believe we are in the midst of an epidemic similar to what we've seen in the past in reference to drug abuse, specifically prescription drug abuse and misuse," Thrash said. "Accidental deaths attributed to prescription drug overdoses has surpassed the number of people that die in car wrecks. That happened about 2008."

Thrash said the No. 1 source his agency hears of how people get a hold of prescriptions drugs are medicine cabinets.

Mike Personett, assistant director of the City of Austin's Watershed Protection Department, said there is an environmental concern to go along with the public safety concern when dealing with the disposal of unwanted or expired prescription drugs.

"Pharmaceuticals can enter the water supply," Personett said. "They have been detected nationally and locally in the water supply."

Personett said the compounds in the prescriptions often enter the water supply through human waste and improper disposal, and water treatment plants can't remove all of the chemicals. Though it is not a danger to people, Personett said the drug compounds do have an effect on the environment.

There are three locations in Austin where residents can dispose of their unwanted or expired prescriptions, including Cornerstone Church, 1001 Reinli St.; City of Austin Household Waste Facility, 2514 Business Center Drive; and Barton Creek Square Mall, 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy.

The drop-off locations are scheduled to be open from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., and diabetes prescriptions will also be accepted.

Collected drugs will be incinerated.

For a list of all locations and more information about the event, visit www.dea.gov.