The first nationwide prescription drug take-back program will occur this Saturday, with drop-off locations that include the Lewiston and Auburn police departments.

The goal of the program is to collect unused, expired and unwanted prescription drugs, preventing them from being disposed of improperly or ending up in the wrong hands, according to leaders of the program.

“Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse,” according to a prepared statement. “Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are increasing at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.

“Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away — both potential safety and health hazards.”

The program is being undertaken by the Drug Enforcement Administration, as well as public health agencies and local police. The opportunity for dropping off prescriptions is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday The service is free and anonymous; no questions will be asked, according to the program.

In central and western Maine, collection sites include the Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford county sheriff’s departments, and the towns of Rumford, Wilton, Norway, Jay and Lisbon.

Go to www.dea.gov or contact your local town office or police department to determine if a collection site has been set up in your town.