Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Coming Up

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, 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. Collection takes place 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.

"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 will have eight official collection sites:

• Rancho Santa Margarita City Hall, 22112 El Paseo
• Dana Point City Hall, 33282 Golden Lantern St.
• Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Pkwy.
• Laguna Niguel City Hall, 30111 Crown Valley Pkwy.
• Laguna Woods City Hall, 24264 El Toro Rd.
• Lake Forest Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Dr.
• Mission Viejo City Hall, 200 Civic Center
• San Clemente City Hall, 910 Calle Negocio

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

NOTE: No sharps, marijuana, or pressure canisters.

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.