Manhattan Beach Police to Take Back Unused Prescription Drug This Weekend

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA -- The Manhattan Beach Police Department is partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration to take back unused and unwanted prescription drugs this weekend.

The medications will be accepted for disposal from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Manhattan Beach Police Department, 420 15th St., for free and no questions asked.

"Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse," the department said in a statement. According to a recent study released by the Democratic staff of the Senate Committee on Finance, California has the most opioid-related death in the nation.

Numerous studies have shown that many abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. Additionally, many residents don't know how to properly dispose of unused drugs, often flush them down the toilet, creating potential safety and health hazards.

Last year, the drug take-back event in Manhattan Beach collected nearly 1,700 pounds of unwanted or expired medication. In addition to the bi-annual drug take-back events, residents in Manhattan Beach can drop off unused medication at the secure collection bin in the front lobby of the police department 24/7.

Certain items, such as illicit drugs, liquids, used or new hypodermic needles, are not accepted.