Residents urged to participate in Drug Take Back Day

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut officials are urging residents to discard their old medications during a nationwide Drug Take Back Day.

This year’s effort is being held Saturday. State officials say there are nearly 100 permanent drug drop boxes across Connecticut where families can dump old prescriptions 24 hours a day.

Officials also say you can dispose of medications at home by mixing them with hot water and something undesirable, such as cat litter or old coffee grounds, and putting them in a secure container before throwing them out.

Authorities urge families to never flush medications down the toilet or wash them down the sink.

Several state agency commissioners say Drug Take Back Day is important to keep prescription drugs out of the wrong hands and from hurting others.