The public dropped off nearly seven tons of expired or unneeded medications across the San Diego area during the 10th National Prescription Take-Back Day, authorities reported Tuesday.
The 13,824 pounds of controlled substances were collected over a four-hour period Saturday morning and afternoon at 42 sites, including hospitals, police and sheriff's stations, universities, supermarkets and military installations, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
"We are pleased to see that Southern Californians are motivated to make their homes safer for our youth," said William Sherman, special agent in charge of the DEA's San Diego office.
In addition to participating in the periodic regionwide collection efforts, locals also can make use of permanent drop-off boxes at area sheriff's stations and precinct houses of the Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Escondido, Oceanside and San Diego police departments, Sherman noted.
The DEA began the program five years ago as a means of keeping drugs out of the hands of children and substance abusers, while simultaneously ensuring environmentally safe disposal of pharmaceuticals.
