EPHRATA - Ephrata police is hosting a prescription medication

drop off drive on Saturday.

City official are accepting the drugs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at

Ephrata City Hall at 121 Alder Street Southwest.

EPHRATA ?- Ephrata police is hosting a prescription medication drop off drive on Saturday.

City official are accepting the drugs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ephrata City Hall at 121 Alder Street Southwest.

Ephrata officials want the public to safely dispose of expired or unused prescription medication drugs.

"If people leave these drugs laying around the house, it could get into the hands of teenagers," said Ephrata police Sgt. Glenn Maryott. "Prescription drug abuse is the second leading cause of abuse for teenagers."

The drive will also collect over-the-counter ?medication as well.

"Many people bring their unused prescription drugs into the pharmacy location wanting to get rid of it, but pharmacists can't do anything with it," he said. "People flush their medication down the toilet thinking it is okay, but it's a hazard."

The drive will safely dispose of medication, said Maryott. It is a free and anonymous event; no questions will be asked.

Ephrata police are participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration's national "Take Back Day" for the first time.

More than 3,400 agencies nationwide are participating in the program.

Medication collected will be incinerated, according to DEA assistant special agent Selby Smith.

The actual site will depend on how much the drop-off locations receive, he said.

Quincy police are participating in the program as well.

The drop-off location in Quincy will be 104 B Street Southwest.

Donation drop-off times are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.