Prescription-drugs
Many pharmacies do not take back unused prescription drugs

It’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday Oct. 26 and residents are being offered the opportunity to safely, and anonymously, dispose of all unused, unneeded and expired prescription medications.

Unwanted medications can be taken to a special booth on the corner of Oregon and Sacramento streets in South Berkeley on Saturday, from 10am-2pm.

Many pharmacies do not accept the return of prescription drugs, and unused medications that are flushed contaminate the water supply.

Residents are particularly encouraged to dispose of controlled substances such as Vicodin, Percocet, OxyContin, and Codeine; stimulants such as Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexedrine; and sedatives and tranquilizers.

Screen Shot 2013-10-24 at 9.35.17 AM
The pick-up booth will be located on the corner of Sacramento and Oregon streets in Berkeley. Image: Google Maps

Turning in old medication reduces the risk of accidental poisoning, overdose, theft  and abuse. Proper disposal of unused drugs saves lives and protects the environment.

The program is part of the first nationwide prescription drug take-back program.

Where: The corner of Sacramento and Oregon streets in South Berkeley
Date: Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
How it works: Residents can bring any medication to the booth on the corner of Oregon and Sacramento Streets for disposal. No identification is required and no records are kept. Residents can keep or dispose of the containers. No needles, please.

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Tracey Taylor is co-founder of Berkeleyside and co-founder and editorial director of Cityside, the nonprofit parent to Berkeleyside and The Oaklandside. Before launching Berkeleyside, Tracey wrote for...