Where to take old prescription drugs

WASHINGTON – The Drug Enforcement Administration's most recent Take Back Day took place Saturday, Oct. 23. Fallbrook's Sheriff's Substation did not collect unwanted and expired prescription drugs this time, but the DEA's Diversion Control Division operates several public disposal locations across the country all year-round.

Since 2010, Take Back Day has removed more than 7,000 tons of medication from circulation.​ Those who couldn't attend Take Back Day are not out of luck. They can safely dispose of unneeded medications year-round at more than 13,000 locations nationwide, including pharmacies, hospitals, police departments, and businesses.

Besides taking unwanted drugs to the sheriff's substation when it is open, 388 E. Alvarado St., Fallbrook-area residents can dispose of their old prescription drugs at the Albertsons, 1133 S Mission Road or Rite Aid, 1331 Mission Road. Residents with access on base can take their expired prescription drugs to the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, 200 Mercy Circle, Camp Pendleton.

Those who live closer to Temecula can take their old drugs to either the Vons at 29530 Rancho California Road or the Albertsons at 30530 Rancho California Road.

Properly disposing of unwanted or expired prescription drugs helps prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths in the community.

Submitted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.