The Hollister Police Department (HPD) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) invite the public to dispose of their potentially expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs on Saturday, April 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm. Community members can bring their pills for disposal, liquids must be in a tightly sealed container, to Target located on 1790 Airline Highway. The service is free and anonymous.
According to a press release from the HPD, "Last April Americans turned in 450 tons (900,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,500 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,200 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 13 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 8.1 million pounds—more than 4,050 tons—of pills."
The public is advised that usual methods of disposal such as flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash could pose potential safety and health hazards.
"This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue," the release reads. "Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet."
For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 28 Take Back Day event visit the DEA Diversion website.