The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the city of Mercer Island are once again coordinating on a nationwide drug “take-back” day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 28 at Mercer Island City Hall (9611 SE 36th St.).

This one-day event provides residents with a no-cost, anonymous collection of unwanted and expired prescriptions or over-the-counter medicines. Medications can be dropped off to the west side of the building, in the loading dock area. Learn what is accepted here.

The event, co-sponsored with the Mercer Island Police Department and Mercer Island Healthy Youth Initiative, aims to protect kids, families and the environment by helping residents properly dispose of unwanted and expired medicines.

Medicines in the home are a leading cause of accidental poisoning, and flushed or trashed medicines can end up polluting waterways. Rates of prescription drug abuse are alarmingly high. Over half of teens abusing medicines get them from a family member or friend, including the home medicine cabinet, and often without anyone’s knowledge, according to the city.

Call the city’s Youth and Family Services Department at 206-275-7755 with questions.