JUNEAU -- Alaskans can drop off old or unused medications for free disposal on Saturday during events planned in nearly three dozen communities around the state.

The event is part of a nationwide effort coordinated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. According to a news release, the idea behind the event is to prevent the abuse or theft of pills, accidental poisonings and environmental damage to waterways.

The state health department says painkillers were the second-leading cause of accidental poisoning in Alaska children under age 6 last year.

Disposal events are held twice a year. At an event in April, Alaskans turned in more than a ton of prescription medication.

Sponsors of the event are the DEA, Alaska State Troopers and Alaska Safe Medicine Alliance.