Why is it important to properly dispose medications?

The Drug Take-Back Day, is on Saturday, September 29, Watertown Police Department, and the importance of properly disposing unwanted or expired prescription medications.
Why is it important to properly dispose medications?:

• Combat the abuse of prescription drugs; some of the drugs in our medicine cabinet can be just as harmful and addictive  as those sold illegally on the streets.
• Keep medications out of the wrong hands, particularly teens.
• Children and animals can be poisoned if they find and swallow drugs.
• Unused prescription drugs are environmental toxins; flushing them down the toilet can release them into our drinking water and soil.