LEWISTON — On Saturday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Healthy Androscoggin, Lewiston Police Department, Auburn Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration will give the public its ninth opportunity in four years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.

Bring pills for disposal to Farwell School at 110 Farwell St. in Lewiston or Bedard Pharmacy at 359 Minot Ave. in Auburn.

The DEA cannot accept needles or sharps, items containing mercury or electronic equipment. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Last April, Americans turned in 390 tons of prescription drugs at nearly 6,100 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,400 of its public health, state and local law enforcement partners.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse.

In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines — flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash — both pose potential safety and health hazards.

Medicine Take Back sites will be open in six other locations in Androscoggin County including Poland Town Office, Turner Town Office and Mechanic Falls, Sabattus, Livermore Falls, and Lisbon Police Departments.

Visit www.healthyandroscoggin.org for more details.