Trash, Toilet, Or Down The Drain: No Place For Drugs

In an effort to ensure proper disposal of expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in partnership with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will hold a nationwide prescription drug “Take-Back” day Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Residents can drop off these medications at any one of the sheriff's stations listed below, including the Southwest Sheriff's Station at 30755 Auld Rd. in French Valley.

During the 2012 "Take Back," Riverside County residents disposed of 2,124 pounds of unwanted and outdated prescription drugs, according to a news release from the sheriff's department.    

"Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are increasing at alarming rates, 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," the news release read.

"In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards," the release continued. (More information can be found by going to:  http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/)

There is no charge to drop off drugs and there are no questions asked, the release continued.

The following sheriff's stations will be participating this upcoming Saturday: