Law enforcement agencies nationwide will take part in National Rx Drug Drop-Off Day

Law enforcement agencies will be taking part in the National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day this Saturday. And as you plan on throw out your unused and expired medications, did you ever wonder how police dispose of the pills?

Police say after they have gathered all the prescription drugs, they take the pills to an incinerator.

"So far over 750 million tons of prescription drugs have been returned," said Chief Deputy Jon Owens of the Oneida County Sheriff's Office.

This Saturday some people will be dropping off their unused or expired prescription drugs at various locations.

And as it will be a way to prevent prescription drug abuse, police say it's also a way to educate the community.

"Some elderly Americans can take up to 30 pills daily. And historically the method of getting rid of them was flushing down the toilet," said Chief Deputy Owens.

Chief Deputy Owens says flushing pills can pollute the water system and environment.

The Utica Police say half the prescription drugs sold out on the streets today are from people's medicine cabinets.

 "We're all experiencing an increase in amount of people being caught in possession of the prescription controlled substances without getting a proper prescription," said Utica Police Chief Mark Williams.

UPD also has recently installed its own full-time 24-7 drop off box at headquarters. Anyone can drop off medications, no questions asked.