Drug Take Back Day: Where To Drop Off Medications In Encinitas

ENCINITAS, CA — Want to get rid of expired or unwanted prescription drugs?

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, giving Encinitas residents an opportunity to safely dispose of medications before they end up in the wrong hands.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and local law enforcement agencies are hosting drop-off events from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. across across San Diego County, including in Encinitas. The service is free and anonymous. Illegal drugs, sharps and syringes won't be accepted.

"DEA Take Back Day is an opportunity to clean out your medicine cabinet and keep the community safe," said DEA San Diego Special Agent in Charge James M. Nunnallee. "Disposing of these medications helps prevent misuse and keeps medications off the street. Thank you to our public health and public safety partners for ensuring San Diegans have 28 sites to dispose of their unneeded, unused, or expired prescription medications."

These are the participating locations in the San Diego area:

Northern

• Carlsbad Safety and Training Center
• Escondido Police Department
• Fallbrook Sheriff's Station
• North County Regional Justice Center in Vista
• San Marcos Sheriff's Station
• Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas
• Tri-City Medical Center in Oceanside
• Valley Center Sheriff's Station

Central

• Mesa College Police Department
• SDPD Eastern Division
• SDPD Northeastern Division
• SDPD Northwestern Division
• SDPD Western Division
• San Diego State University Police Department

Eastern

• Albertsons in Ramona
• Alpine Sheriff's Station
• El Cajon Police Department
• La Mesa Police Department
• Lakeside Sheriff's Station

Southern

• Chula Vista Public Works
• Coronado Police Department
• Imperial Beach Sheriff's Station
• National City Police Department
• Rancho San Diego Sheriff's Station

Military

(Active, Retired, Beneficiaries and Staff Only)

• Camp Pendleton Naval Hospital Building H200
• MCAS 2660 Elrod Ave., San Diego
• MCRD Jerry Coleman Center Building 650
• Naval Medical Center San Diego (Balboa) at patient drop-off loop
• Navy Exchange 32nd St. in the NEX Lot at Callagan Highway Gate