Drug take back event to be held in Contra Costa County

Contra Costa County, California – The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will provide the community another chance to avoid pill abuse and theft by getting rid of potentially hazardous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription medications on Saturday, October 23, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Only pills, patches, and liquids in their original packaging will be accepted; needles and sharps will not be accepted. Individual users’ vape pens or other e-cigarette devices are accepted only once the batteries have been removed.

“This is a great way to get rid of unused prescription drugs in our homes. These drugs could fall into the wrong hands and harm family members and friends. This is an opportunity for everyone to help prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths,” Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston said.

The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Bring your pills for disposal at the following sites. COVID-19 protocols will be followed.

DROP OFF LOCATIONS:

-Office of the Sheriff Muir Station, 1980 Muir Road, Martinez (Field Operations Building)

-Office of the Sheriff Bay Station, 5555 Giant Highway, Richmond (West County Detention Facility)

-Office of the Sheriff Valley Station, 150 Alamo Plaza, #C, Alamo

-Danville Police Department, 510 La Gonda Way, Danville

-Orinda Police Department, 22 Orinda Way, Orinda (Lafayette residents can drop off prescription drugs in Orinda or Sheriff’s Office Valley Station).

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.7 million people aged 12 or older misused prescription pain relievers in the past year. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the Take Back event, go to the DEA Office of Diversion Control website at: www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov.