Santee-area residents will have a nearby chance to safely dispose of expired or unwanted prescription medications Friday as part of the Drug Enforcement Administration's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and officials say the service is free and anonymous.

According to Patch, the nearest listed site for many East County residents is the Rancho San Diego Sheriff's Station at 11486 Campo Road in Spring Valley. Other participating locations include stations or substations in Alpine, Poway, Ramona, Encinitas, Fallbrook, Imperial Beach and San Marcos.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Office said no sharps or needles will be accepted during the event. The goal is to keep unused medications from being misused or ending up in the wrong hands.

For Santee residents who cannot make Friday's drop-off window, the sheriff's office says unwanted prescriptions can also be turned in year-round at any sheriff's station or substation during normal business hours. That gives East County households an ongoing option for clearing out old medications safely.