Free disposal of prescription drugs April 30 across Whatcom County

Anyone looking to get rid of expired or unwanted prescription drugs can bring them to the Bellingham, Ferndale and Lummi Nation police departments for disposal on Saturday, April 30.

The event, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., is part of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s 11th annual National Prescription Drug Take-Back, which encourages residents to properly dispose of their prescription medications.

The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Most heroin users begin their addictions with prescription drugs, according to the DEA, and about 46,000 Americans die from drug-related deaths each year.

Secure medicine disposal is also provided year-round at the following Bellingham pharmacies:

▪ Hoagland Pharmacy, 2330 Yew St.

▪ Unity Care NW Pharmacy, 218 Unity St.

▪ Haggen pharmacies at 2900 Woburn St., 2814 Meridian St. and 1401 12th St.

This story was originally published April 17, 2016 at 7:04 AM with the headline "Free disposal of prescription drugs April 30 across Whatcom County."