Prescription Drug Take Back Day In Manhattan Beach

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA – This Saturday, Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Manhattan Beach Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are partnering for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This is an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by allowing community members to rid their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs, the MBPD press release said.

Medications (pills or patches) will be accepted for disposal at the Manhattan Beach Police Department Community Room located at 420 15th Street in Manhattan Beach. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

The National Prescription Drug Take Back addresses a vital public safety and public health issue; medicines that sit in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, the press release said, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.

Studies show that many abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. Many residents don't know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both of which are potential safety and health hazards.

In addition to the bi-annual DEA Take Back event, the Manhattan Beach Police Department also offers 24/7 medication drop off, in a secure collection bin, which is located in the front lobby of the Police Department. As a result of both the April 2017 DEA Take Back event and the MBPD’s collection bin, nearly 936 pounds of unwanted or expired medications were collected and turned over to the DEA for destruction.

The following items are not a part of this program and cannot be accepted: illicit substances, liquids or used/new hypodermic needles/sharps.

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