Redondo Beach to Take Back Unused Prescription Drug This Weekend

REDONDO BEACH, CA -- Redondo Beach 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 Redondo Beach Vistors Bureau, 200 N. Pacific Coast Highway, for free and no questions asked. Certain items, such as illicit drugs, liquids, used or new hypodermic needles, are not accepted.

"Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse," Redondo Beach police Officer Michael Diehr said.

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.

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