(MSC News)--A tradition of safety returns this weekend, as law enforcement across the nation collect unused prescription drugs. 

That happens Saturday during National Drug Take Back Day. 

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt says law enforcement agencies across the state will join in the nationwide effort to see prescription drugs safely disposed of. “Unused medications are dangerous for kids, pets and the environment,” Schmidt said. “Getting these leftover medicines out of the medicine cabinets keeps them from falling into the wrong hands and makes our communities safer.”

Since the program began in 2010, the semi-annual event has collected more than 28 tons of unwanted medications in Kansas alone.

Locally, participating Kansas agencies include the Brown, Atchison and Leavenworth County Sheriff's Offices, along with the Marshall County Sheriff's Office, which is partnering with the Marshall County Health Department. 

The Leavenworth and Lansing Police Department's are also hosting drop off locations.

To find the specific sites where prescription drugs will be accepted, go here. 

Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are increasing, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that traditional methods for disposing of unused medicines – flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash – pose potential safety and health hazards and should be avoided.