Communities around the country took part in what's known as National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday and worked to combat against the staggering numbers of opioid overdoses.
Connecticut police agencies including the West Hartford Police Department took part in collecting expired medications. The effort is used to cut down on prescription drugs being misused.
"An opportunity for people to be able to bring back their medications that they're unsure of what they're going to do in a safe and responsible and environmentally friendly way," said West Hartford Police Lt. Michael Almquist about the initiative.
Vaping products are now being accepted as part of the program. Enfield Police Department announced that they accepted vaping products like e-cigarettes and pods.
In 2018, the Department of Health said more than 1,000 people in Connecticut died from unintentional drug overdose-related deaths.
"We're delighted to have this kind of place to get rid of old prescriptions in particular because there's no other way. You can't flush it down the toilet," said Elsie Harp, of West Hartford.
Throughout the state, there are at least 100 locations to drop off old medications. Not all municipalities are accepting vaping products so residents are encouraged to call their police department ahead of time to find out.
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Drop box locations are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
