The Highland Village Police Department's Prescription Drug Disposal Program has collected over 800 pounds of expired or unwanted medication over the last 18 months.

City officials said that the program was created to provide for year-round disposal of unwanted or expired household medication in the community, which helps protect people and the environment.

Kids in the community and surrounding areas are stealing prescription drugs from family members and either using them or selling them to their peers and friends, officials said.

“We are quite pleased that at least these drugs will not have a chance of getting into the hands of our children and want to thank everyone that has participated so far,” said Highland Village Police Chief Ed O’Bara.

Flushing prescription drugs down the toilet or throwing them in the trash can damage the environment by contaminating the water supply.

“The ability to remove such a large quantity of prescription drugs out of our community is a true statement that our actions are directed at making Highland Village a safe and enjoyable place to live. We have supported Police Chief Ed O’Bara and his officers in their continued efforts of a Community Oriented Public Safety philosophy and programs that are designed in keeping the city of Highland Village a safe community,” said Mayor Pat Davis.

The city has two “MedReturn Units” available to make drop off easy- outside in the Municipal Complex drive-thru next to the Utility Bill drop off box and inside the Municipal Complex in the rotunda. Medications should be in a baggie or the original unlabeled pill bottle.

If a resident is unable to use the “MedReturn Unit”, call the Police Department’s non-emergency number 972-317-6551 and an officer will be dispatched to pick up their expired or unwanted medications for safe and secure disposal.