Lehigh County residents discarded a record 1,557.5 pounds of expired, unwanted and unused prescription and over-the-counter medications at 17 sites April 27, during the sixth National Take Back Day.

That brings the total amount collected in Lehigh County during the last six events to 4,826 pounds.

The event was coordinated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and Lehigh County District Attorney's Office and police departments, Pennsylvania State Police and Allentown Health Bureau.

"I want to thank the public for making this event a success and helping to protect your families and your environment by appropriately disposing of medications," Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin said. "I also want to thank all the police departments and employees of the Allentown Health Bureau who manned the sites, the media for helping us to publicize this worthwhile event, and members of Crime Watch and Neighborhood Watch groups who circulated information about the event in their communities.

"Without all of them, and the cooperation of other participants, such as Giant food stores, Walgreens, the Westgate Mall, South Mall, Target and municipalities, this event would not have been such a success."

At the sites, residents discarded boxes of medications – everything from chemotherapy drugs for seriously ill family members to medications for children's ear infections and pet medications.

Police reported some people had medications in their homes for years and were grateful for the opportunity to dispose of it in a safe way.

The DEA visited all sites after the event to collect the boxes, which will be taken to an incinerator to be burned.

The totals include:

·Upper Macungie Township Police Department, 159 pounds;

·Slatington Police Department, 59 pounds; and

·South Whitehall Township Police Department, 218 pounds.