Get Rid of Your Unused, Expired Prescription Drugs
Last updated 11/1/2024 at 9:32am
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is this Saturday, and the County is encouraging community members to collect their unused and expired medications and take them to a drop off location around the County.
Prescription drugs can include pills containing opioids like oxycodone, antibiotics, and other medicines.
In 2022, 857 people died from opioid overdoses in San Diego County, showing an about 115% increase from 2016 numbers.
Safely getting rid of unused or expired medications helps prevent misuse, accidental poisoning and the risk of medications ending up in illegal markets or in the wrong hands.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has a list of more than 25 locations around the county that are open this Saturday to drop off unwanted prescription medications including the following San Diego County Sheriff’s Office facilities which will open for drop-offs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Alpine Sheriff’s Station – 2751 Alpine Boulevard, Alpine
Imperial Beach Sheriff’s Substation – 845 Imperial Beach Boulevard, Imperial Beach
San Marcos Sheriff’s Station – 182 Santar Place, San Marcos
Poway Sheriff’s Station – 13100 Bowron Road, Poway
Getting rid of your unused and unwanted prescription medications isn’t limited to one day of the year. San Diego County offers more than 200 year-round disposal locations open year-round. Check the DEA’s Every Day is Take Back Day website or County interactive map to find a disposal site near you.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day also aligns with the DEA’s annual Red Ribbon Week which runs through Oct. 31 and aims to raise awareness for drug prevention.
Substance use treatment resources and support services are available by calling the local San Diego Access and Crisis Line at 888-724-7240 or 988.
These resources are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can provide help in over 150 languages.
