The Cape Elizabeth and South Portland Police Departments are sponsoring a collection of unwanted medicines, Saturday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at the South Portland Community Center.

The collection lets residents safely dispose of unwanted or expired medications, both over-the-counter and prescription pills, ointments, drops, etc.

Proper disposal of unused medications safeguards against child and teen overdoses, and protects the environment from flushed or tossed medicines that find their way into ground or surface water, and ultimately into Casco Bay.

The initiative is being conducted by the South Portland Community Advocates for Social Action. For more information, contact Maxine Beecher, 799-8888, or Bob Scarpelli, South Portland police, 799-5511.