The Smithville Police Department has partnered with Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Tennessee Department of Health, DeKalb Prevention Coalition, and Pioneer Credit and announced its plan to introduce a permanent collection bin for the residents of DeKalb County to properly dispose of used or unwanted medication.Through TDEC’s Pharmaceutical Collection Program, the permanent bin offers a safe and easy way to dispose of unwanted medication, while creating opportunities for residents to promote environmental protection and a safer community.National statistics suggest that nearly 90 percent of Americans improperly dispose of outdated or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter drugs.“This joint effort is important to educate citizens on the appropriate disposal of pharmaceuticals, while increasing the number of locations for them to do so,” said TDEC Commissioner Bob Martineau. “We need to make DeKalb's citizens aware that throwing medication away with the household garbage or flushing it is not a safe method of disposal. The permanent collection drop-off box offers DeKalb residents a safe and viable disposal option to keep drugs out of our water and off the streets.”The Smithville Police Department has agreed to provide the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation with a monthly report on the total amount of pounds collected.A permanent drug take-back box has been installed at the Smithville Police Department.Anyone who wishes to drop off any unwanted or unused medication can come by the police department during normal business hours, Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. -5 p.m. and dispose of them.Anyone with any questions or who needs special assistance please contact Corporal Travis Bryant at the Smithville Police Department, 597-8210.