Drug Takeback Day in Pasadena aims to clear medicine cabinets of all unused medications

Pasadena residents looking to get rid of expired, unused or unwanted medications have the opportunity to safely dispose of their medications this Saturday during National Drug Take Back Day. The effort, organized by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency in collaboration with local law enforcement, aims to underscore the importance of eliminating commonly abused drugs.

The collection event is scheduled for Saturday, October 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pasadena Police Department (207 N. Garfield Avenue) and comes at a critical time as medication disposal has become a major public health issue is. Representatives from the Pasadena Police Department and local non-profit organization Day One will be on site to assist residents and answer questions.

“For more than a decade, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has helped Americans remove unnecessary medications – old, unwanted or expired – from their homes,” according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Research shows that the scope of medications collected extends far beyond prescription painkillers.

Studies have identified exactly 345 different prescription medications that are regularly received at take-back events. The most commonly returned items include:

Over-the-counter painkillers (such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen)
Prescription medications including:
cardiovascular medications (such as lisinopril and warfarin)
Antidepressants and other mental health medications
Antibiotics
Gastrointestinal medications (such as omeprazole)
hormones (such as levothyroxine)
Anti-inflammatory medications (including prednisone)

Controlled substances, including benzodiazepines
Veterinary medicines
Dietary supplements and vitamins

Tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription and over-the-counter medications will be accepted at the event.

However, liquids, syringes, sharp objects and illegal drugs cannot be accepted.

In addition, vape pens and e-cigarette devices (without batteries) are routinely accepted at many collection points.

The importance of proper disposal goes beyond drug abuse prevention.

Studies have found trace levels of organic contaminants from pharmaceutical products in conventional drinking water treatment plants, meaning medications flushed down the toilet have negative consequences.

79.5% of people in one study said they had never received information about proper medication disposal.

According to Poison Control, painkillers, cardiovascular medications and other prescription medications account for over 36% of adult poison control calls, highlighting the safety risks of keeping unused medications at home.

The previous national take-back day in April 2024 produced impressive results: 670,136 pounds (335 tons) of medications were collected nationwide. Since the program began in 2010, these events have safely disposed of approximately 9,285 tons of unused medications.

The importance of properly disposing of medications is underscored by recent CDC data showing that more than 110,000 people died from drug poisonings and drug-related deaths in 2023. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that most people who have abused prescription drugs got them from friends or family members.

For those unable to attend Saturday's event, many local pharmacies, hospitals and health care facilities offer disposal options year-round in accordance with the federal Safe and Responsible Drug Waste Disposal Act.

To find additional drop-off locations, residents can visit www.dea.gov/takebackday. Most locations are open the same hours as the Pasadena location.