Pearl River County residents will be able to properly dispose of their unused prescription medication on Saturday as part of a national effort by the United States Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Agency.

Capt. Theresa Milar with the Picayune Police Department said residents can bring their unused medication to Walmart in Picayune from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. where it will be disposed of safely.

At times prescription medication is left in cabinets or other places in the home, where it can be misused by anyone who comes across it.

To prevent the unused medication from falling into the wrong hands, the United States Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Agency asks local law enforcement agencies to participate in a biannual drug take back event.

Milar said law enforcement officials and Walmart employees will be stationed in front of the local retailer Saturday, unless rain forces them inside the store. Pharmacy employees will assist the law enforcement agency in the acquisition of the unused drugs.

While it’s not advertised as part of the initiative, Milar said any illicit drugs found by community members, such as cocaine, methamphetamine or heroin, can also be brought at that time so it can be disposed, no questions asked.

However, syringes or other items that could expose people to blood borne pathogens will not be accepted during Saturday’s drug take back. If the drug is still in a vial, or in the proper container, such as cough syrup,  it will be accepted.

Milar said it’s best not to simply throw old drugs in the trash, since someone could recover the drug easily.

Any prescription medication brought to the take back event should have any identifying information removed from the container.