On Saturday, April 28, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Manhattan Beach Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are partnering to give our community an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Medications (pills or patches) will be accepted for disposal at the Manhattan Beach Police Department (South Lobby Entrance, 13th St. & Morningside Dr., Manhattan Beach). The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
The National Prescription Drug Take-Back 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 many abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, many residents 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.
In addition to the bi-annual DEA Take Back event, the Manhattan Beach Police Department also offers 24/7 medication drop-off, in a secure collection bin, which is located in the front lobby of the Police Department. As a result of both the October 2017 DEA Take Back event and the MBPD’s collection bin, nearly 840 pounds of unwanted or expired medications were collected and turned over to the DEA for destruction.
The following items are not a part of this program and cannot be accepted: illicit substances, liquids or used/new hypodermic needles/sharps.
