Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

Danville residents looking to get rid of unwanted, unused or expired prescription drugs will have the opportunity to do so Oct. 29, 2011, when the Danville Police Department joins with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to hold a drug disposal event at the Town offices.

In the free and anonymous event, citizens can bring their prescription drugs to the Town offices, 510 La Gonda Way, and drop off their medications for disposal.

Police Chief Steve Simpkins said the event gives residents the chance to be rid of their unwanted pharmaceuticals, reducing the possibility of abuse or theft of the drugs.

Last September, Americans turned in 242,000 pounds—121 tons—of prescription drugs at nearly 4,100 sites operated by the DEA and more than 3,000 state and local law enforcement partners. 

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. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—pose potential safety and health hazards.

In the Oct. 29 event, officers and volunteers from the DPD will be on hand at Town offices to handle the disposal effort. 

Residents are asked to drop off between 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Anyone who misses the takeback day can still drop off pharmaceuticals in a special bin at the front desk of the Police Department. 

For more information, contact Detective Ben Alldritt at 925-314-3710 or balldritt@danville.ca.gov.