Regional water and wastewater utility officials in partnership with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments are encouraging area residents to dispose of their unused drugs during National Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, October 26.

The nationwide event, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), runs from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at many local law enforcement offices and other locations. To find a location near you, visit www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/ or call 1-800-882-9539.

The DEA’s focus is removing unused and sometimes illegal, regulated drugs from circulation. An additional benefit of safe drug disposal is preventing medicines from being poured down the drain or flushed down the toilet and entering streams and rivers used for drinking water. Regional water supply and wastewater officials applaud the DEA's efforts for keeping potential contaminants out of the water life cycle.