North Bend police are giving residents a new way to empty medicine cabinets and keep potentially dangerous prescription drugs off the street.

During National Drug Takeback Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 25, police will accept unwanted drugs at a drop site at the parking lot next to Rock-O’s Diner, 247 East North Bend Way.

The one-day effort puts a national focus on prescription drug abuse, allowing citizens to safely dispose of the drug without contaminating their communities.

North Bend and Snoqualmie police already keep collection boxes at their stations.

“We saw it as an opportunity to get the word out that we have a drop-off box,” said North Bend Police Chief Mark Toner.

Police created the prescription drop-off box service this summer in response to community concerns about safe options for disposal of unused medicines.

Prescription drugs have the potential for abuse and also pose a threat to the environment if disposed of improperly.

Drop boxes remain available during business hours at the North Bend and Snoqualmie stations.

“If people have stuff before or after the 25th, they don’t have to drop it off in those four hours,” Toner said. “If they call us, we can get someone to pick it up. Or, they can bring it to the office.”

• Contact the North Bend police station at (425) 888-4433. The Snoqualmie police station can be reached at (425) 888-3333.