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(02/20/19) - Want to get rid of those unused or expired medications but don't have time to wait for the next prescription drug take back day? Or, maybe it's not as convenient for you to go to a Michigan State Police post or other law enforcement station. Meijer is stepping in to help. "It's just an easy resource for patients to properly dispose of their medications," said Heather Schultz, pharmacy manager at the Meijer on Gratiot Road in Saginaw. Meijer is the first major retailer in Mid-Michigan to offer a drug take back program on a large scale. It has installed kiosks at all 241 Meijer locations in the Midwest. "Patients can come and drop off any of their unwanted, unneeded or expired medications. They don't have to talk to a pharmacist. They don't have to talk to anyone. They can just come up and dispose of their medications," Schultz said. The kiosks are easy to spot in the pharmacy area. A sign on the top clearly spells out which medications are and are not accepted. The program also aims to cut down on the risks associated with keeping expired or unused medications around. The Michigan-based retail giant cites a 2016 DEA survey showing more than 6 million Americans misused prescription drugs, often obtained from family and friends. "They often come to the pharmacy asking where can I properly dispose of them. Some communities have resources, other communities not so much," Schultz said. Twice a year there is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Michigan State Police posts collected unwanted medication from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Many other Mid-Michigan police stations also offer drug take-back kiosks. Meijer customers can drop the pills off during pharmacy hours. A pharmacists or technician will be available to answer any questions.