WESTPORT — Unused or outdated prescription medications will be collected Oct. 23 by Westport police — no questions asked — Saturday as part of “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.”

The program, in its 21st year, will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, at the Westport Center for Senior Actions, 21 Imperial Ave.

The service is free and anonymous, according to a press release from police.

The collection program will accept pills or patches only, but not liquids, needles or sharps. Vape pens where the batteries can be removed will be accepted, but not those where batteries cannot be removed.

“National Prescription Drug Take Back Day,” organized with the  federal Drug Enforcement Administration, addresses “a crucial public safety and public health issue,” the police statement said.

According to a 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers; 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants, and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives, according to the statement. “The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.”

The “Take Back Day” is designed to provide an opportunity to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths, police said.

A year-round collection bin also is located in the lobby of Westport Police Department headquarters, 50 Jesup Road, where prescription drugs can be disposed of any time.