'Take-Back' event to accept expired, unused prescriptions

October 5, 2011

The Solano County Sheriff Coroner's Office will collect potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, as part of a national "Take Back" event.

Prescription Take-Back Day, sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, is a free, anonymous service meant to ensure proper disposal of such drugs, as well as to prevent abuse.

The Coroner's Office will collect prescription pills, liquids and creams – but no needle waste – for destruction at 520 Clay St. in Fairfield.

Participants are asked to remove all personal information and foil packaging. Pills can be brought in zip lock bags. All liquids and creams must be sealed. 

Prescription drug abuse in the United States is increasing at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. 

Also, many people do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away—both potential safety and health hazards. This event ensures these drugs are disposed of properly.

When drugs are improperly discarded in public water systems, they can have negative effects on fish and other aquatic wildlife, and may negatively affect human health. Even low levels of many of these drugs can be detrimental.

For more information about the Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, go to http://Recycle.Solano.County.com or call (707) 421-7500 on the event day.