South Bay Authorities to Participate in Drug Disposal Initiative

Local law enforcement agencies today will participate in a national program to get rid of possibly dangerous prescription drugs in people's homes.

The Drug Enforcement Administration's National Take-Back Initiative is designed to focus national attention on the proper disposal of unwanted or unused prescription drugs, said Natalie Jimenez of the L.A. County Department of Public Works.

South Bay residents can drop off expired, unwanted or unused prescription drugs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at local police and fire departments around the Southand, including those in Manhattan Beach, 420 15th Street; Palos Verdes Estates, 340 Palos Verdes Drive West; Lomita, 26123 South Narbonne Ave.; Redondo Beach, 320 Knob Hill Ave. and 1922 Artesia Blvd.; and Torrance, 1770 Carson Street. Click here to view more locations. 

During the last nationwide event held in October, people turned in more than 377,000 pounds of prescription drugs at thousands of sites operated by the DEA and state and local law enforcement authorities.

“The amount of prescription drugs turned in by the American public during the past three Take-Back Day events speaks volumes about the need to develop a convenient way to rid homes of unwanted or expired prescription drugs,” said DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart in a statement. “These three events have dramatically reduced the risk of prescription drug diversion and abuse, and increased awareness of this critical public health issue."

—City News Service contributed to this report.