Where To Dispose Of Expired, Unused Drugs In Mission Viejo

MISSION VIEJO, CA — Do you have unused or expired prescription medications taking up space in your cabinets? Here's where you can safely dispose of them this month.

As part of the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 26, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is teaming up with local facilities and agencies to host safe drop-off sites for unwanted medications across California.

The service is free and no questions will be asked. All prescription medications will be accepted, but no needles or sharp objects will be allowed.

It’s important to clear old medications out of your home, as they are the leading cause of accidental poisoning in households. Unused or expired medications thrown in the garbage or flushed down the toilet can also pollute the environment.

Drug take-back day is a bi-annual event that happens every April and October. Earlier this year, the 26th take-back day resulted in 670,136 pounds of collected medications, according to the DEA.

Medications will be collected from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations:

• Laguna Woods City Hall, 24264 El Toro Rd.
• Laguna Niguel City Hall, 30111 Crown Valley Pkwy.
• Mission Viejo City Hall, 200 Civic Center.
• Lake Forest City Hall, 100 Civic Center Dr.
• Ladera Ranch Middle School, 29551 Sienna Pkwy.

Don't see a collection site close to you? Search for a collection site here by entering your zip code.