The UALR Department of Public Safety collected a record 105 pounds of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs as part of the ninth annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Initiative.

UALR police officers hosted a collection station from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, to dispose of prescription drugs in a safe and ecologically sound way.

The UALR station was one of hundreds across Arkansas where residents may bring medication to ensure it remains safely out of reach of children and potential abusers.

The free and anonymous service was part of an initiative hosted through the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration each year. There is also a year-round drop box inside the department for those who could not make it out for the event.

During the event, residents could drive up and drop off medications without getting out of the car, said UALR Detective Sharon Bowles Houlette. Law enforcement is the only entity legally authorized to receive substances from citizens.

UALR police remind residents that flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash poses a potential safety and health hazard.

For more information about the UALR collection station, call 501.569.8797.

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