CARLSBAD, CA — Carlsbad residents looking to dispose of unwanted or expired prescription medications have several options as National Prescription Drug Take Back Day approaches Saturday.
The nationwide event, organized by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 24, with collection sites throughout San Diego County.
Although a special Carlsbad collection event has not been confirmed, the Carlsbad Police Department offers a permanent prescription drug drop box at Police and Fire Headquarters, 2560 Orion Way. Residents can anonymously dispose of medications from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The San Diego County Sheriff's Office will also offer free collection services Saturday at eight locations, including Scripps Hospital at 354 Santa Fe Drive in nearby Encinitas.
The initiative aims to prevent prescription drug misuse and accidental poisonings by keeping unwanted medications out of the wrong hands.
Needles and other sharps will not be accepted at the Saturday event.
For more information or to find additional collection sites, visit dea.gov/takebackday.
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