Petaluma Police Department
For Immediate Release
April 29, 2022
Issued by: Jennifer Pritchard, Community Engagement Liaison
On Saturday, April 30, 2022, the Petaluma Police Department will host the 22nd DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day drive-thru drop-off event for the community.
The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2020 National Survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 9.5 million people, ages 12 and older, abuse opioids in the United States. Statistics illustrate how unused, unwanted, or expired prescription drugs end up in the wrong hands if not disposed of properly. As such, the Petaluma Police Department is proud to collaborate with other law enforcement agencies to encourage the public to be an instrumental part of reducing drug addiction and prescription drug abuse in our community through their participation.
Highlighting the success of the DEA Take-Back program, 4,276 agencies across the country removed 744,082 lbs. (372 Tons) of prescription drugs last year alone. While the Petaluma PD was proud to have received 354.50 lbs. in 2021, we hope this weekend’s event yields the largest collection to date.
The drop-off location will be at the Petaluma Police Department, 969 Petaluma Blvd North, between 10 AM and 2 PM. Drivers can pull up, do not have to exit their vehicle, and can quickly hand off their unused or expired prescription medications. COVID safety precautions will be in place for safe drop-offs. Vape pens or other e-cigarette devices will also be accepted only after removing the batteries from the devices. If the batteries cannot be removed, consumers can check with large electronic chain stores that carry the vape pen or e-cigarette devices for proper disposal.
All solid dosage pharmaceutical products and liquids in consumer containers may be accepted. Liquid products, such as cough syrup should remain sealed in their original container. The depositor should ensure that the cap is tightly sealed to prevent leakage. Intravenous solutions, injectables, and syringes will not be accepted due to potential hazards posed by blood-borne pathogens.
The Petaluma Police Department is committed to helping our community safely dispose of potentially harmful prescription drugs while working to reduce the addiction and overdose deaths plaguing this country due to opioid medications.
For more information regarding year-round disposal locations, please visit the websites:
https://zerowastesonoma.gov/materials/pharmaceuticals
https://www.dea.gov/takebackday
