ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Across Elmira, the 13th drug take initiative took place. From 10 AM to 2 PM, Southern Tier residents could stop by West Elmira Volunteer Fire Department or the Drake Plaza to get rid of unwanted medications.  

“We are participating in the drug administration drug take-back initiative,” said Sheriff William Schrom, Chemung County.  

The purpose of the drug take-back is to protect people from accessing medications they shouldn't take. 

“As a matter of fact, we take it in, put it in the box. When the box is full, we seal the box, we label it and it gets transported later,” he added.  

When people drop off their medications they aren't questioned. It is a safe and secure drop-off. So, what medications can be disposed of? 

“Expired medication, ointments, creams, whatever you have. Animal medications. Just to properly dispose of and get it out of your house,” he said.  

At the end of the drug take back the sealed medications and go to Rochester. 

“At the end of the event today, which is 2 o'clock. We take everything we have collected; we transport it up to Rochester drug enforcement office. They keep it,” noted Schrom. “Niagara Falls and they incinerate everything they collect,” he continued.  

Sheriff Schrom mentioned it is important to protect anyone who shouldn't take wrong or expired medications. This includes younger kids and pets. 

“That is really the incentive behind doing it. You don't want medications to fall into the wrong hands. There are so many people with different illnesses. It is very serious. There are very serious medications. Unfortunately, those who pass away, there is no means for the people to get rid of them,” he shared. 

Hundreds of pounds in unwanted, unused, expired medication are handed off twice at Drug Take Back events. 

“On average, we will collect anywhere between 600 pounds to as much as 18 hundred pounds.” 

If you missed Saturday’s event, Rite Aid and Gerould's in Corning and Elmira offer safe medication disposal.