Keeping unused medications around is asking for trouble.

But flushing them or throwing them away might not be much better.

For years, the Drug Enforcement Administration has been holding nationwide drug take-back events to get drugs out of medicine cabinets where they can be taken accidentally or stolen and to make sure they are disposed of appropriately.

On Saturday, the DEA visited Warren County to pick up medications collected during the most recent Drug Take-Back event.

“Between Warren City Police Department, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, and Youngsville Police Department, we collected and turned over 529.6 pounds of unwanted, unused, or expired prescription medication,” Youngsville Police Chief Todd Mineweaser said. “This was one of the heavier collections I have been a part of in quite some time.”

A year ago, the total was 456 pounds, he said.

“The DEA drug take back program is a very successful program when police agencies and our community members get involved with it,” Mineweaser said. “No more flushing pills into our water systems or worries on what to do with left over meds when a loved one passes away. This was the 19th event and we have participated in them all.”

The best way to dispose of your expired, unwanted, or unused medicines is through a drug take back program,” according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

There are several locations in Warren County where unwanted medicines can be dropped off year-round.

Drop boxes can be found at the City of Warren Police Department, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Youngsville Borough Police Department, and CVS at Pennsylvania Avenue and Market Street in Warren.