The Deerfield, Lake Bluff and Lake Forest police departments on Saturday are participating in the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day where residents with old prescriptions can easily dispose of them. 

Residents can stop by the departments from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. where unwanted and unused prescription drug products can be safely handed off to Drug Enforcement Administration officials. 

"We are trying to get the prescription drugs out of the homes. Many kids first experiences with prescription drug use started when the found it in their homes," said Gail Katz, founding director of Highland Park-based Save A Star Drug Awareness Foundation. Her son, Daniel Katz, died of a overdose in 2007 at age 25. The foundation sponsors regular prescription drug collections at police departments, including Deerfield. 

During a similar DEA event in April, more than 500,000 pounds of medications in about 5,600 sites were collected, according to DEA officials. 

"While a uniform system for prescription drug disposal is being finalized, we will continue to sponsor these important take-back opportunities as a service to our communities," said DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart, in a statement. "Our take-back events highlight the problems related to prescription drug abuse and give our citizens an opportunity to contribute to the solution."