NOTE: A list of drop-off locations across the province is available at http://nschiefs.ca/drug-drop-off/ .
Government is encouraging Nova Scotians to participate in the second annual National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day, Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m.

to 3 p.m.

The event provides the opportunity for people to anonymously and safely dispose of expired medications. It helps reduce the illegal use, abuse and trafficking of prescription medications, particularly pain killers and narcotics.

“Proper disposal of old, expired and unused medications makes it less likely that they will cause harm, especially to young people,” said Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine. “I encourage all Nova Scotians to reduce risk to themselves and others by taking advantage of Drug Drop-Off Day or Nova Scotia’s regular Medication Disposal Program.”

Events will be hosted by local police and community partners, including district health authorities and pharmacists.

Nova Scotia also has a provincewide program to encourage people to return expired and unused pharmaceuticals to pharmacies for safe disposal.

The Medication Disposal Program is led by the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia.

To protect privacy, people are reminded to remove labels containing personal information from bottles and packaging.

National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day is supported and led by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, Public Safety Canada and Health Canada, the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, Partnership For a Drug Free Canada, and the Canadian Pharmacists Association.

Source: Release