Drop off unwanted prescription drugs

Have expired, unneeded or unwanted prescription drugs lying around?

Drop them off at a participating local public safety agency from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday as part of the Drug Enforcement Administration's 22nd National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

Local participating locations are at the Dixon and Fairfield police departments. For more sites, visit www.DEATakeBack.com.

“Disposing of unneeded medications can help prevent drugs from being misused,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram in a press statement. “Overdose deaths continue to hit tragic record highs. I encourage everyone to dispose of unneeded prescription medications now.”

Northern California and Central Valley residents have turned in 593,375 pounds (296 tons) since Take Back Day began in September 2010.

“National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is an opportunity to make your home and community safe by removing unwanted medications. Help stop drug addiction before it starts,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Wade R. Shannon in the statement.

Drug overdose deaths are up 16% in the last year, claiming more than 290 lives every day. According to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, most people who misused a prescription medication obtained the medicine from a family member or friend.

Year-round receptacles are available at more than 13,000 pharmacies, hospitals, police departments and businesses. Additionally, with the passage of the DUMP Opioids Act in 2021, the public may use drop boxes at Veterans Administration medical centers to dispose of controlled substance prescription medications. Check with your local VA health facility for more information.