WASHINGTON – Prescription painkillers can be deadly if they get into the wrong hands. Loudoun County is offering to collect unused pills for free in its first-ever drug take-back program.

Expired prescription medications can be dropped off at six locations throughout the county on Saturday, April 25.

“We want to make sure that those drugs come back to us so that we can properly dispose of them,” says Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman. “We’re going to do regular take-backs throughout the year.”

If you wish to dispose of the pills yourself, the FDA recommends putting unused pills in a sealed plastic bag with kitty litter and throwing it out.

Some narcotic medications, like fentynal, must be flushed down the toilet or sink.