Where Oceanside Residents Can Dispose Of Unwanted Prescription Drugs

OCEANSIDE, CA — Oceanside residents looking to safely 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 Oceanside collection event has not been confirmed, the Oceanside Police Department offers two permanent prescription drug drop-off locations:

• Oceanside Police Department: 3855 Mission Ave., Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Evidence and Property Facility: 4927 Oceanside Blvd., Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Both locations are closed on holidays.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Office will also offer free collection services Saturday at eight locations, including Scripps Hospital in Encinitas and the Fallbrook Sheriff's Substation.

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 Saturday's collection sites.

For more information or to find additional collection sites, visit de​​a.gov/takebackday.