April 22, 2022 3:40 a.m.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a free prescription medication take-back event on Saturday at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.

Lieutenant Brad O’Dell said it is being held in partnership with the Drug Takeback Solutions Foundation, and allows residents to who have unwanted or expired prescriptions or over-the-counter medications to turn them over to law enforcement for safe disposal. O’Dell said it will be held in the north parking lot of the fairgrounds and will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

O’Dell said, “Safe disposal of medications is important to mitigate accidental poisonings, addiction and abuse”. He said in addition, it can prevent environmental risks from improper disposal; such as ending up in wastewater treatment plants due to flushing them down toilets or sinks or throwing them into the garbage which ends up in landfills.

O’Dell said there is no fee to participate in the event and no need to show identification or fill out paperwork.