The 8th annual National Prescription Drug Takeback Day is being held today.  It's a chance for residents to safely dispose of medication they no longer need or is expired.  Several collection sites have been set up in the Greater Danbury region. 

Redding Representative John Shaban says it's a public health issue to leave unwanted drugs in the home.  Shaban says prescription drugs that languish in home medicine cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.  He says typically the old drugs are put into an incinerator and burned. The improper disposal of drugs has been reported to negatively impact the environment.  Some drugs cannot be safely flushed or poured down drains because wastewater facilities are not designed to remove them. 

During the last National Prescription Drug Takeback Day, more than 324 tons of expired and unwanted medications were turned in for safe and proper disposal.  All seven previous collection dates nationwide has resulted in removal of over 3.4 million pounds of medication from circulation. 

There will be collection sites at Police Departments in Bethel, Danbury, Newtown, Redding and Ridgefield.  Residents state trooper offices in Bethlehem, Bridgewater, New Fairfield, Sherman Washington and Woodbury are also collecting.  Easton Town Hall, Monroe Senior Center and the Southbury police barracks are also participating.

The drug takeback day is from 10am to 2pm.