WINTON – Ever had the desire to clean out your medicine cabinet and delayed that task because you didn’t know of a way to safely discard those outdated medications?

Well, your wait is finally over.

Dispose of your unused, expired prescriptions during “Operation Medicine Drop.” This free, public event will take place from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 18 at the Winton Fire Department (505 North Main Street.)

Sponsored by the Hertford County Sheriff’s Office, this event offers the public a safe, secure way to dispose of their medications.

The public can dispose of expired, unused prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications and keep them out of the wrong hands.

Operation Medicine Drop cannot accept biohazard materials.

The event is being staged due to cases of unintentional poisoning from prescription medications being on the rise in North Carolina. Since 1999, nearly 4,500 people have died from prescription poisoning. Operation Medicine Drop offers the public a free and convenient option for disposing of their prescription and over-the-counter medications to protect their families and the environment.