The painkillers that are long past their expiration date and have been sitting in your medicine cabinet for months or even years are now called to leave as authorities have scheduled September 25 as "Drug Take Back Day".

The Drug Enforcement Administration has set up collection sites at more than 4,000 locations nationwide on Saturday from 10am to 2pm where any expired, unused and unwanted prescription medicines can be dropped off.

“The National Take Back Day provides an opportunity for the public to surrender expired, unwanted or unused pharmaceutical controlled substances and other medications for destruction,” the DEA explained in a statement Wednesday.

According to the DEA these drugs are a potential source of supply for illegal use and pose a high risk to public health and safety.

“Many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing it down the toilet or throwing it away — both potential safety and health hazards,” the agency noted.

The effort focuses on eliminating the circulation of commonly abused drugs.

The collection is free and no questions will be asked or no id will be requested.

The collected drugs will later be burnt at an undisclosed location.

Visit www.dea.gov for a ZIP code-specific list of drop-off sites in your area.