To prevent prescription pills from contaminating landfills and rivers, the Elkin Police Department is holding Operation Medicine Drop this Saturday at Walgreens.

“The drop off is all anonymous,” said Capt. Chris Leonard. “This is safer than throwing the drugs away so it doesn’t get into landfills, rivers, streams or the hands of the wrong people. All drugs are turned over to the SBI for incineration.”

The Elkin Police have teamed with the Yadkin RiverKeeper to take up the pills. Though the RiverKeeper will not be available to volunteer at the event, the Elkin Valley Trails Association will be there to represent the organization.

“The Elkin Valley Trails Association will be there volunteering, because they also would like to keep prescription drugs out of the river and protect our natural resources,” Leonard said.

When the Police Department isn’t hosting a Medicine Drop, members of the community will now be able to dispose of their prescription drugs at the Elkin Police Department.

“We now have a permanent Prescription Drug Collection Box in the police department lobby,” Leonard said. “People can come and drop medicine off at any time.”

Medications include prescription or over the counter medications in the form of pills, capsules, liquids, ointments, patches and veterinarian medications.

Operation Medicine Drop will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29, in the Walgreens parking lot, located on 1209 North Bridge St.

Reach Jessica Pickens at 835-1513 ext. 17 or jpickens@heartlandpublications.com.