Working Together to Reduce Prescription Drug Abuse and Overdose Deaths

Leads: Elizabeth Jimenez, Sharon Green, Lusi Mkhitaryan, and Francisca Mandujano​

Key Objective 8:
Support convenient, safe, and environmentally responsible prescription drug disposal programs in Los Angeles County that are free to the public to help decrease the supply of unused prescription drugs in homes and the community

Nearly 70% of people who have used prescription drugs for nonmedical purposes reported obtaining them from family, relatives, or friends. The safe disposal of these unused prescription drugs can be challenging due to limited disposal options. However, it is important to safely remove unused prescription drugs from communities in order to reduce the likelihood of misuse and diversion.

Nationally, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sponsors “Drug Take-Back” events in an effort to remove potentially dangerous drugs from the community, thereby decreasing access for either diversion and/or inappropriate use. Events are coordinated locally, with police stations and other community organizations serving as drop-off points.

Senate Bill 212 (Jackson, Chapter 1004, Statues of 2018) authorized CalRecycle to establish a stewardship program for the proper collection and disposal of pharmaceutical drug waste. Under this new program, Los Angeles County now has approximately 364 takeback locations for residents to bring their unused/expired prescription and non-prescription medications, click here to find a location near you. This program also includes mailback options for pharmaceuticals and sharps, for those residents that need them. Check here to find out how to participate in these programs!

Additionally, Los Angeles County Public Works oversees the Household Hazardous Waste and Electronic Waste (HHW/E-Waste) Program, which includes permanent collection centers and temporary events held across the County, whereby residents can dispose of HHW/E-Waste, including unused/expired non-controlled substances.

The Safe Drug Disposal Action Team will:

• Educate the public about options available to properly dispose of pharmaceuticals and sharps waste.
• Seek opportunities to promote and expand the number of drug drop-off locations in Los Angeles communities..
  

​​SMART Goals:

1. Deliver a “one-stop” locator to access a list of drop off locations for Pharmaceutical Drugs and Sharps waste in LA County.
2. Identify areas in LA County with no access to drug drop-off locations within a five miles radius and work with Producer Responsibility Organizations to serve the needs in those communities.
3. Work with SafeMedLA Task Force members to develop and implement a PR campaign with consistent messaging to educate the public about the “Every Day is Takeback Day” campaign.