People in 14 area communities will have an opportunity to safely dispose of unneeded medications during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 24.

The Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, local police departments, the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office and the county-based TRIAD initiative are once again partnering to organize and host the event.

“Properly disposing of unused medications is a simple but important step we can all take to prevent prescription drug misuse,” Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan said in a statement. “Drug Take Back Day gives residents an opportunity to safely remove unwanted medications from their homes, helping protect families and strengthen the safety of our communities.”

Municipalities in Hampshire and Franklin counties will participate in coordination with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. This nationwide, twice-yearly initiative encourages residents to safely dispose of unused or expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medications for both humans and pets. Proper disposal helps prevent prescription drug misuse and accidental ingestion, while also keeping medications out of water systems and landfills, protecting wildlife and the environment.

Collections are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations:

  • Amherst (former Wildwood Elementary School, 71 Strong Ave.)
  • Belchertown (Town Common, Park Street)
  • Cummington (Police Station, 8 Fairgrounds Road)
  • Deerfield (Police Station, 8 Conway St.)
  • Easthampton (Public Safety Complex, 32 Payson Ave.)
  • Hadley (Police Station, 15 East St.)
  • Leverett (Public Safety Complex, 95 Montague Road)
  • Northampton (Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School, 80 Locust St.)
  • Pelham (Police Station, 2 South Valley Road)
  • Southampton (Police Station, 8 East St.)
  • South Hadley (Police Station, 41 Bridge St.)
  • Sunderland (Public Safety Complex, 105 River Road)
  • Williamsburg (Public Safety Complex, 16 Main St.)
  • Worthington (Fire Station, 51 Huntington Road)

Since 2011, more than 83,511 pounds of medications have been collected and disposed of through Prescription Drug Take Back Days and permanent drug collection boxes located throughout the district.