Full Notification

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – The Drug Enforcement Administration and government, community, public health and law enforcement partners today announced a nationwide prescription drug “Take-Back” initiative that seeks to prevent increased pill abuse and theft. DEA will be collecting potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction at sites nationwide on Saturday, September 25th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. The Walnut Creek Police Department will be a local site for area residents. Lt. Shelly James along with the help of WCPD Cadets, will be in the Police Department Lobby (1666 N. Main Street) for assistance and/or questions.

“Prescription drug abuse is a serious public health and safety issue. This take-back event demonstrates DEA’s and Walnut Creek PD's commitment in addressing the problem. It is also an opportunity for residents to help us strengthen communities and make their homes safe by participating,” stated DEA San Francisco Field Division Special Agent in Charge Anthony D. Williams. “This effort would not be possible without the assistance and support of several state and local law enforcement agencies and other community partners.”

Participating agencies in the Bay Area include state and local law enforcement located in the following counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Del Norte, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara. Collection sites in every local community can be found by going to www.dea.gov. This site will be continuously updated with new take-back locations.

Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are 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. In addition, many Americans 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.

Collection sites will accept any medicines in capsule and tablet form brought in for disposal. Intra-venous solutions, injectables, and needles will not be accepted. Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not a part of this initiative.

Other participants in this initiative include the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy; the Partnership for a Drug-Free America; the International Association of Chiefs of Police; the National Association of Attorneys General; the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy; the Federation of State Medical Boards; and the National District Attorneys Association.

Please contact Lt. Shelly James at the Walnut Creek Police Department with any questions (925) 943-5866.