Discard expired medications at drug take-back

SEAL BEACH POLICE

On Saturday, Oct. 28, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. the Seal Beach Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give people an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.

People can bring their leftover pills for disposal at Leisure World’s Main Gate, where SBPD will host the citywide event. The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse.

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.

In addition, old methods for disposing of unused medicines— such as flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—pose potential safety and health hazards.

“By creating this opportunity for the community to safely dispose of unused and expired medication, our goal is to help prevent access to dangerous prescription medication,” said SBPD Chief Michael Henderson. “We are grateful for the continued partnership with the Golden Rain Foundation and Leisure World community for allowing us to host this event at their main entrance.”

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the Take Back Day event, visit takebackday. dea.gov.