Lehigh County residents disposed of 670 pounds of expired and unused over-the-counter and prescription medications during the 12th National Take Back Day Oct. 22.

The total of drugs collected during all Take Back Day events since 2010 is 10,774 pounds.

In addition to the drugs discarded during the Take Back days, 9,969 pounds of medication have been collected from 16 permanent medication collection boxes that are located in 12 police departments, three Lehigh Valley Hospital sites and Air Products. The boxes were first installed in Lehigh County police departments in 2013, and other locations were added later.

“The large amount of drugs collected shows that Lehigh County residents are aware of the dangers of accumulating medications in their homes and want to properly dispose of them,” District Attorney James B. Martin said. “There is a greater awareness of opioid addiction and overdoses, and these collections are an important initiative in combating the prevalence of addictive drugs in our communities.”