Full Notification

On September 27, 2014, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Burbank Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its 9th opportunity in three years to prevent medication abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

In April, Americans turned in 390 tons (over 780,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at over 6,100 sites operated by the DEA and state/local law enforcement partners. This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.

Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, 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, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

The public can find a nearby collection site by visiting www.dea.gov and clicking the “Got Drugs?” banner, which links to a database where they can enter their zip code.

The Burbank Police Station will have a collection container available from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, September 27, 2014, in the parking lot to the rear of the station (200 N. Third St.).

Questions regarding this statement may be directed to Officer Joshua Kendrick, @ 818-238-3223