Pleasanton police open 24-hour prescription drugs disposal site

The Pleasanton Police Department and the city of Pleasanton, as well as the Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD), have opened a new pharmaceutical disposal site at the Pleasanton Police Department, 4833 Bernal Avenue.

The pharmaceutical collection bin is located in the lobby and is accessible to the public 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Both controlled and non-controlled prescription medications and over-the-counter medications will be accepted.

Police officials say there has been a growing concern about expired and unused pharmaceuticals in homes because they’re susceptible to accidental ingestion, theft, misuse and abuse.

According to the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, almost 6.8 million Americans currently abuse pharmaceutical controlled substances than those abusing cocaine, hallucinogens, heroin and inhalants combined.

In addition, nearly 110 Americans die every day from drug-related overdoses, and about half of those overdoses are related to opioids — a class of drug that includes prescription painkillers.

The survey also stated that more than two-thirds of people, including juveniles, who misuse prescription painkillers for the first time, report obtaining the drugs from friends, relatives, or from their home medicine cabinet.

Proper medication disposal will also help keep medications out of California waters and landfills. The American Water Works Association said exposure to certain pharmaceuticals results in abnormal development and reproduction in fish and other wildlife, even at very low levels.

Pleasanton police, along with the Drug Enforcement Administration, host annual National Drug Take-Back events — the most recent in September.

Pleasanton has collected more than 2,700 pounds of unwanted pharmaceuticals from the public.

When disposing unwanted pharmaceuticals, follow these guidelines:

* While at home, pour unwanted pills (no sharps or aerosols) into a plastic bag and seal the bag.

* Recycle prescription bottles after removing or blacking-out all labels containing personal identifying information.

* Bring bags to the police department and drop them in the collection bin.

* Leave liquid medications in their original containers, removing or blacking-out personal identifying information, and drop in the collection bin.