What city collected more than 1,334 pounds of unwanted or expired medications in just six months?

Well, the answer is probably obvious but there's a reason why the City of Manhattan Beach receives that heft. In addition to participating in the federal Drug Enforcement Administration's Take Back initiative, the city maintains a year-round secure disposal bin in the lobby of the Manhattan Beach Police Department.

That bin can be put to good use on Saturday, September 27 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when MBPD and the DEA provide the community another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by getting rid of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs left in the home and elsewhere.  

Medications will be accepted for disposal at the police department, 420 15th St.; As always, the service is free, anonymous and no questions are asked.

The DEA Take Back initiative is designed to call attention to and address a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. 

Community members who dispose of such medications help prevent others from accidental poisonings and overdoses, and help prevent prescription drug abuse, which in the U.S. is alarmingly high, according to the DEA.

"Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards," according to the city.

"Illicit substances and used/new hypodermic needles are not a part of this program and will not be accepted."