Free drop-off sites for expired drugs at county locations this weekend

Apr. 23—STOCKTON — San Joaquin County Public Health Services and the San Joaquin County Opioid Safety Coalition is partnering with local law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration this weekend to provide free drop-off locations for expired and unwanted medications, vaping devices and pet medications.

The event provides a safe, anonymous and environmentally friendly way to prevent mishandling and illicit distribution of pharmaceuticals.

Both over-the-counter and prescription medications can be dropped off on Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lodi Lodi Police Department, 215 W. Elm St.. or Young's Payless Market IGA, 18980 Highway 88 in Lockeford.

Sites cannot accept needles or sharps materials, however, information will be provided on where residents can take them for safe disposal.

Pills will be accepted loose and without packaging, in blister packs, or in their original prescription bottles. Liquid products such as cough syrup should remain sealed in the original container.

Vaping devices and cartridges must have their lithium batteries removed, and pet medications will also be accepted.

According to San Joaquin County Public Health Services, more than 300 tons of unused or expired medications were collected at all national sites during the October 2023 National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

This will be the 26th nationwide collection event since its inception in 2010.

In addition to this weekend's event, there are more than 11,000 authorized collection sites open to the public throughout the year.

For more information, visit the San Joaquin County's Medication and Sharps Disposal Program website at bit.ly/3lYFXGr.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs, or about the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day event, visit www.dea.gov/takebackday.