Locations In Mass. Take Vapes, Drugs As Part Of 'National Prescription Drug Take Back Day'

It's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, and the Drug Enforcement Administration is expanding this year's accepted drop-offs to electronic vaping devices and cartridges.

Saturday is the annual event the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) holds in effort to encourage people to anonymously drop off their unwanted, unused or expired prescription medications at specific sites across the country. This year the DEA has expanded the list to vaping devices and electronic cigarettes. The lithium ion batteries must be removed prior to drop off, the agency said.

Disposing of a vape involves more than just throwing it away in a recycling bin, according to waste disposal specialists. Batteries can end up in landfills, which will contaminate the environment. TheWeedBlog advises people to resell or donate their used devices online, or partner with companies that offer electronic waste recycling.

Boston police have partnered with the DEA to offer drop-off options at all district police stations.

"National Prescription Drug Take Back Day gives Americans an opportunity to save lives by preventing drug addiction and overdose deaths," Boston police said in a statement. Drop-off times are just four hours long — between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday.

You can find your local district station here. If you're outside Boston and would like to find a collection site, use the DEA site search by entering a zip code, county, city and state.

In New Hampshire, at least 135 police departments across the state were expected to participate, New Hampshire Public Radio reports.

If you miss Saturday's take-back efforts, Massachusetts still has permanent waste medication kiosks around the state.