Many people don't realize that they have a drug problem.

That is, their unused prescriptions have been sitting around too long in the medicine cabinet.

Hyattsville is participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration's prescription drug "Take-Back" campaign in which over 3,400 sites nationwide have joined to prevent increased pill abuse and theft.

The Hyattsville Police Department will be collecting potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.on Sept. 25

The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

"Basically, it is a chance for us to help residents safely dispose of expired or unwanted prescription or over-the-counter drugs," said Hyattsville spokeswoman Abby Sandel. 

The city won't be able to accept needles or illegal substances, she said.

"There are so many things in our medicine cabinets that can be pose a threat if taken improperly, and yet many residents hesitate to toss them in the regular trash, too," she said.

According to the DEA, many Americans are not aware that medicines that sit around are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are increasing at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.

Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

And getting rid of old drugs is not as simple as it seems.

Did you know that flushing or throwing away unused medicine is a potential safety and health hazard?

Safe collection of controlled substances is also intended to protect drinking water and waterways nationwide. Active ingredients in prescription medications have been detected in the nation's lakes, streams and rivers in recent years. And although the harm to human and wildlife health is unclear, public concern about the long-term effects of the low-dose combo of meds floating in the nation's drinking water is growing.

Here's what to do before showing up

Remove labels with personal information from medicine bottles before handing them over to police. Although collection is anonymous, it's good standard practice for guarding against identity theft. If you can't peel off the label, use a permanent marker to scratch out your information.

Residents bringing liquid prescription meds such as cough syrups should leave them in their original containers tightly sealed to avoid leakage. Medications in powdered, granule, tablet, suppository or capsule form may be left in their original containers, or removed before they're handed over to police.

All meds collected will ultimately be incinerated in compliance with federal law.

Medicines can be dropped off at the Hyattsville Police Department, 4310 Gallatin St.