Full Notification

Danville residents looking to get rid of unwanted, unused or expired prescription drugs will have the opportunity to do so April 30, 2016 when the Danville Police Department joins with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to hold a drug disposal event at the Town offices, 510 La Gonda Way. The event will only take pills and other solids, such as patches. Liquids, needles and other sharps will not be accepted. For ease of disposal, place the medications in a Ziploc bag for drop-off.

In the free and anonymous event, citizens can bring their prescription drugs to the Town offices between the hours of 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and drop off their medications for disposal.

Police Chief Steve Simpkins said the event gives residents the chance to be rid of their unwanted pharmaceuticals, reducing the possibility of abuse or theft of the drugs.

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, residents are also advised that disposing of unused medicines by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash, pose potential safety and health hazards.


Last September, Americans turned in over 702,000 pounds of prescription drugs at over 5,000 sites operated by the DEA and more than 3,800 of its state and local law enforcement partners. When those results are combined with what was collected in its ten previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 5.5 million pounds—more than 2,750 tons—of pills.

Anyone who misses the takeback day can still drop off pharmaceuticals in a special bin at the front desk of the Danville Police Department.

For more information, contact Police Administrative Secretary Juliet Kelly at (925) 314-3704 or [email protected]