Saturday, April 25  is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, and local law enforcement is encouraging residents to safely clean out their medicine cabinets.

In Hiawatha, the Hiawatha Police Department says residents can bring their old and unneeded medications to the Walmart store from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Also, the Highland Police Department, in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration, will host a collection event at the police department located at 220 West Main Street in Highland, also from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Officials say properly disposing of old medications helps prevent drug misuse and protects public safety and the environment.

Items such as syringes, sharps, and illegal drugs will not be accepted.

Take Back Day offers free and anonymous disposal of unneeded medications at more than 4,200 drop-off locations nationwide.

In partnership with local law enforcement, the program has removed more than 20.4 million pounds—about 10,200 tons—of medication from circulation since its inception.