At a time when opioid abuse is at epidemic proportions, it’s more important than ever for people to handle such medication in a responsible manner, Island County Sheriff Mark Brown said.

That’s why the sheriff’s office is again working with the Drug Enforcement Administration to make it free and easy for people to dispose of unwanted pills and patches.

A Drug Take Back event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 29. One is at the sheriff’s South Whidbey precinct office at 5521 East Harbor Road in Freeland. The other is at the Coupeville marshal’s office at Coupeville Town Hall.

Oak Harbor police aren’t participating because it coincides with the Holland Happening parade.

The department does have a 24-hour, seven-days-a-weeks, secure “drop box” at its office available throughout the year for walk-in drug disposal.

The event’s purpose is to prevent theft and pill abuse by offering a way to dispose of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. The service is free and anonymous.

People are now advised that past methods for disposing of unused medicines — flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash — both pose potential safety and health hazards.