Drop Off Old, Expired Drugs on Saturday

Redondo Beach residents with unused, unwanted or expired prescription drugs can anonymously drop off the medication Saturday during the DEA's National Prescription Drug Take-Back campaign, according to a news release from the .

There are two drop-off locations in the city—one in North Redondo and one in South Redondo—and both will be open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. In North Redondo, people can drop off the medication at the civic center at 1922 Artesia Blvd. People in South Redondo can leave the drugs at the former at 320 Knob Hill Ave.

"This program is free and anonymous, no questions asked," wrote Police Department spokesman Sgt. Shawn Freeman in the news release.

The drop-off locations will accept both prescription and over-the-counter drugs; however, intravenous solutions, injectables or needles will not be accepted, according to the news release. In addition, illegal drugs like methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana will not be accepted.

Drugs do not need to be in their original packaging, police said.

"Prescription drug abuse in the United States is increasing at an alarming rate, along with the rate of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs," Freeman wrote. "Many abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet."

For more information on the Redondo event, contact Officer Don Martinez at 310-379-2477 ext. 2565. People seeking more information on the national program can visit dea.gov.