NASHUA — The second National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day of 2022 is scheduled for this Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at various locations throughout Greater Nashua.

An initiative of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the take-back program offers residents the opportunity to safely dispose of expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs.

Greater Nashua locations participating in Saturday’s event:

* Nashua: Department of Public Works headquarters, 9 Stadium Drive

* Hudson: Walmart parking lot, 254 Lowell Road

* Litchfield: Police Department, 2 Liberty Way

* Merrimack: Police Department, 31 Baboosic Lake Road

* Milford: Police Department, 19 Garden St.

* Hollis: Hollis Pharmacy, 6 Ash St.

* Amherst: Police Department, 175 Amherst St.

* Brookline: Police Department, 3 Post Office Drive

* Mont Vernon: Police Department, 2 South Main St.

* Pelham: Police Department, 14 Village Green

* Wilton: Police Department, 7 Burns Hill Road

* Mason: Police Department, 38 Darling Hill Road

According to federal and local officials, the take-back day, typically held twice a year in spring and fall, provides the public with an opportunity to prevent substance abuse disorder and the theft of medications and rid them from the community.

Residents can dispose of pills or patches at any participating site.

The sites, however, cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps.

By disposing of unwanted or expired drugs, residents help address a vital public safety and public health issue, officials said.

They note that the rates of prescription drug misuse are alarmingly high across the United States, as well as the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses.

Officials also urge residents to refrain from flushing the old or unwanted drugs down the toilet or throwing them in household trash.

The drop-off service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Locally, residents seeking additional information can contact Lisa Vasquez, Behavioral Health Strategist at the City of Nashua Division of Public Health and Community Services, at vasquezl@nashuanh.gov or 589-4538.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.