The Drug Enforcement Administration is sponsoring its 24th national Prescription Drug Take Back initiative on Saturday.

The initiative seeks to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft through proper disposal of prescription drugs.

The Indiana State Police Versailles Post will be among the collection sites. It’s at 902 S. Adams St., Versailles. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Collection sites will be set up nationwide for expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs, which will be properly disposed of without threat to the environment. This program is for liquid and pill medication. Vaping pens without batteries and vaping cartridges also also be taken. Needles, new or used, will not be accepted for disposal. This service is free and anonymous with no questions asked.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines — flushing them down the toilet or throwing them into the trash — pose both potential safety and health hazards.

To find other locations in Indiana or across the country that are participating in the Drug Take Back initiative, visit dea.gov/takebackday#collection-locator.