YOUNGSTOWN - Saturday is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, and participating agencies are also accepting electronic vaping devices and cartridges, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Take Back Day has traditionally been aimed at removing increasing amounts of opioids and other medicines from the nation's homes, where they are vulnerable to misuse, theft, or abuse by family members and visitors, including children and teens.

Amid concerns over illnesses and death caused by vaping, on Saturday, October 26, vaping devices and cartridges will be accepted for the first time at any of the drop off locations. A media release from the DEA says devices containing lithium-ion batteries will not be accepted. If batteries cannot be removed prior to drop-off, DEA encourages individuals to consult with stores that recycle lithium-ion batteries.

The New Middletown Police Department will be one of those drop off locations. Police Chief Vincent D'Egidio tells 21 News that they'll be accepting unwanted drugs and vaping devices at their Main Street headquarters.

Also, police will have lollipops for the kids, drug capsule-shaped stress balls for adults, as well as free drug disposal bags.

By adding the warm water to the solution in the bag, as well as the medication, the potentially dangerous drugs have been automatically deactivated.

Now in its tenth year, DEA has collected a total of more than 11 million pounds of expired, unused and unwanted prescription medications through its Take Back Day events.

Collection sites will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can find a nearby collection site at www.DEATakeBack.com or by calling 800-882-9539.