Authorities say unused pills often end up polluting the environment or being used by teens for illegal activities. (Creative Commons)

Deemed “National Take-Back Day,” the DEA hopes to raise awareness about the proper way to dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications by collaborating with over 3,400 drop-off sites across the country.

Residents can bring their medications to any of the 20 drop-off sites in the county to dispose of them anonymously. 

Studies have shown that disposing of medications by flushing them down the toilet can be extremely harmful to the environment. However, just leaving prescription pills lying around the house can be dangerous if they fall into the wrong hands.

“About 2,500 kids a day try a prescription drug for the first time, that’s how prevalent this is. Most think because it’s a prescription drug, it’s safe,” said Ralph Partridge, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s special agent-in-charge for San Diego. 

While the DEA is promoting this one-day initiative, the Sheriff’s Department wants residents to know that anonymous drug-drop off sites are available year-round.

“We have this program 24 hours a day seven days a week, and even though we’re very supportive of the DEA and we’re very glad to partner with them, it’s not a one time thing,” said Sergeant Alissa Dedmon of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Bureau.

The Sheriff’s Department became involved with National Take-Back Day after being asked by the DEA.

“We work very closely with the DEA on different task forces. We’ve already been doing this…[and] we’ve registered our 20 direct drop-off sites with them,” said Dedmon.

The drop-off sites for Los Angeles County can be found here. 

“The public should definitely take advantage of this program,” said Dedmon. “We’re always here for people.”