Huntington Beach Prescription Takeback Day Locations: Saturday

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA — Law enforcement across the country are participating in "National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day" on Saturday, Oct. 23, offering to collect anyone's expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs — anonymously and for free.

Find the site nearest you courtesy of the DEA Collection Site Locator for 2021, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Orange County Sheriff's Department is participating in the event, sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration, which aims to prevent prescription drug abuse by giving people a chance to dispose of potentially dangerous drugs with no questions asked.

The national event, sponsored by the DEA, is to help families dispose of unwanted and expired prescription medications safely, in a free and anonymous way, no questions asked.
"Please take this opportunity to dispose of unwanted and expired prescription medication safely," Orange County Sheriff's Department spokesperson says. "Don't let your medicine cabinet be the source of drugs for anyone."

Orange County Sheriff's Department, Costa Mesa Police Department, Irvine Police Department and others shared official collection sites:

• Costa Mesa City Hall.
• Dana Point City Hall.
• Huntington Beach Police Department, Front Lobby.
• Irvine: Hoag Hospital.
• Irvine Police Department.
• Irvine: UC Irvine Police Department.
• Laguna Niguel City Hall.
• Laguna Woods City Hall.
• Lake Forest Civic Center.
• Mission Viejo City Hall.
• Rancho Santa Margarita City Hall.
• Santa Ana Police Department Substation.
• Seal Beach Police Department.
• San Clemente City Hall.
• Yorba Linda Police Services Station.

For more information, call (714) 647-4133.

NOTE: No sharps, marijuana, or pressure canisters, they said.

Each collection site will also allow the disposal of e-cigarettes and vape pens (with batteries removed) to help combat the nationwide vaping health crisis.

According to the DEA, rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are increasing, and studies show that most abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends. Many people don't know how to dispose of their unused medications properly, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away — both of which present safety hazards.

You can find more information about the National Take-Back Initiative at the DEA website.