Washington County is gearing up for a community-focused, eco-friendly event aimed at safely disposing of unwanted medications. The "Take Back" initiative, slated for next Saturday, opens its doors free of charge, promising a no-questions-asked policy to anyone ready to clear out their medicine cabinets. For parents worrying about half-finished prescriptions or pet owners with surplus meds, this presents an ideal way to ensure those drugs don't end up in the wrong hands—or the local water supply.

Spearheaded by the teamwork of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Public Health and Environment, the event targets a variety of pharmaceuticals including over-the-counter medicines, scrips, and yes, even Fido’s old heartworm pills, set out at Wildwood Elementary from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., residents can unload their legal pharmaceutical baggage without spilling their guts, businesses, however, need to find another solution for their stacks of leftovers, the official flyer, points clearly to a no-businesses policy. The location is 8696 75th Street N., Mahtomedi, as detailed on the county’s official site.

The program has straightforward guidelines about what's welcome; laying them out clearly for those pondering their piles of unused Desitin or outdated allergy sprays. Accepted items range from the typical pills and capsules to the more complex like inhalers, patches, and creams, even sprays are on the table, and for those thinking ahead, they'll happily take off your hands those unused EpiPens that have been lingering in the back of the junk drawer..

Details about the event can be verified by visiting Washington County's announcement.