COLUMBUS — Polk County residents are encouraged to dispose unused and unwanted medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, at CVS Pharmacy in Columbus.

Local law enforcement and CVS are partnering to provide the Operation Medicine Drop to provide the way to safely and anonymously dispose of medications.

Items accepted will be pills, capsules, patches, gels, powders, ointments, syrups and liquids, medication samples, medication for pets, vitamins and sharps.

Local law enforcement officials said if possible, keep drugs in original containers or sealed plastic bags. To protect privacy, residents are asked to peel off or mark out prescription labels.

Items that will not be accepted at Saturday’s medicine drop include thermometers, IV bags, hydrogen peroxide, empty containers, inhalers, infectious waste and personal care items.

Polk County also has several permanent drop boxes throughout the county for residents to dispose of medications during operating hours. Permanent drop boxes are located at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and police departments in Columbus, Saluda and Tryon.