Toss your expired medications for free in Cobb County

When it comes to expired medication, a good rule to follow is out with the old.

Your medicine cabinet probably holds many medications that are no longer needed or expired and are a risk for accidental poisoning or overdose.

Now County County residents can properly dispose of those medications at no cost.

It’s also important to dispose of them properly to reduce harm from accidental exposure or intentional misuse. This also helps keep pharmaceutical byproducts out of the water supply. It’s good to remove the labels before you dispose of the medication.

Here are two opportunities to safely get rid of old medicine.

• • WellStar is hosting a Community Medication Take Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday. Take your old medications to one of three drop off locations: Senior Wellness Center, 1150 Powder Springs St., Marietta; WellStar Acworth Health Park, 4550 Cobb Pkwy., Acworth; or WellStar East Cobb Health Park , 3747 Roswell Rd. N.W. Marietta. Drive through to turn the medicine in and receive a free gift. This event is sponsored by WellStar, SafeKids Cobb County and the Cobb County Police Department. No registration is required, no questions will be asked and no forms or ID will be required. For more information, call 770-793-7373.

• • Keep Cobb Beautiful is hosting a Medication Disposal Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 30, at Cobb County Super Station 8/Police Precinct 1, 2380 Cobb Pkwy. N.W. Kennesaw. Staff and law enforcement personnel will be at this location to collect medications and properly dispose of them in compliance with federal law. Items accepted include liquid and pill form medication, sharps and needles, diabetes materials, catheters and tubing. No durable medical equipment (CPAP, nebulizers, etc.). This event is in partnership with Cobb Department of Public Safety and Cobb Water System