From State Senator Loni Hancock:
On Saturday, October 29th, cities across the nation will be participating in the National Prescription Take Back Day. On that day, the Drug Enforcement Agency will be working with local police departments and other agencies to assist in hosting drug drop-off locations, where people can safely dispose their unused, unwanted or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications, including narcotics.
More than seven million Americans abuse prescription drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends.
But many of us are confused about what do with our unwanted medications. Improper disposal of pharmaceuticals creates a public health concern: persistent disposal of these medications into our waste streams pollutes our water supply and causes harm to humans and animals. Pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, anticonvulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones have been found in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans. With your participation, you are taking one step towards keeping our homes safe and water clean.
In addition to the special drop-off locations that day, there are also permanent bins installed in Alameda County and Contra Costa County where you can drop-off unwanted medications. Some of these are also included.
For more information or to find a drop-off location nearest you, please check the following websites:
www.dea.gov Drug Enforcement Agency
www.earth911.com Earth 911
www.baywise.org Collaboration among Bay Area wastewater, sewer and stormwater agencies
National Take Back Day Drop-Off Locations for Alameda County
For October 29th, 2011 only, from 10pm-2pm
(Non-permanent, drop-off locations)
South Berkeley Senior Center
2939 Ellis Street, Berkeley, CA 94703
San Pablo Police Department
13880 San Pablo Avenue, San Pablo, CA 94806
Albany Senior Center
846 Masonic Avenue, Albany, CA 94706
Hilltop Mall (Richmond)
2200 Hilltop Mall Road, 110 D (between Walmart and JC Penney), Richmond, CA 94804
City of Dublin Police Department station
100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA, 94568
City of El Cerrito Police Department station
10900 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA, 94530
City of Emeryville Police Department station
5780 Shellmound Avenue, Emeryville, CA 94608
City of Kensington Police Department station
217 Arlington Avenue, Kensington, CA 94707
City of Oakland Police Department –Eastmont station
2651 73rd Avenue, Oakland, CA 94601
City of Oakland Police Department station
455 7th Street, Oakland, CA 94607
City of Piedmont Police Department station
403 Highland Avenue, Piedmont, CA 94611
[Photo by Virginia Guard Public Affairs]
