Supervisor Dave Roberts: Discard Unused Pills at Take-Back Sites

A no-questions-asked collection of prescription drugs is scheduled for Oct. 29 at locations across San Diego County.

Prescription Drug Take Back Day collection centers will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 39 sites.

The service is free and anonymous. Organizers have set a goal of gathering more than 6,500 pounds of pills.

The Encinitas Sheriff’s Station, Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas, Scripps Green Hospital in La Jolla and the San Diego Police station in Carmel Valley are among the many drop-off locations countywide.

The first take-back day, in 2009, netted 320 pounds of pills, and since then, the hauls at subsequent events have multiplied significantly.

“Unused pills – and especially pain-killers — can produce tragic results when they fall into the wrong hands,” said county Supervisor Dave Roberts. “Flushing pills can pollute our water supply. I encourage anyone with unused pills to dispose of them properly at a take-back site.”

In 2009, former Supervisor Pam Slater-Price launched the Prescription Drug Task Force, a coalition of government, law enforcement and education leaders. The Task Force has organized several take-back events and has installed permanent, secure drop-off boxes at Sheriff’s stations throughout the county.

The federal Drug Enforcement Agency is sponsoring tomorrow’s event. A list of collection sites is posted at www.dea.gov.