Crime & Safety

RBPD to Hold Drug Take-Back Day

People with unwanted, unused or expired prescription drugs can drop them off free for disposal at two collection sites Saturday.

Numerous Southland law enforcement organizations—including the Redondo Beach Police Department—will team up with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration on Saturday to collect unwanted prescription medications.

The National Take Back Initiative collections will take place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at various locations where people can drop off expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs, as well as hypodermic needles. The program is free and anonymous.

There are two take-back locations in Redondo Beach:

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  • 320 Knob Hill Ave. (former Knob Hill Community Center), South Redondo Beach
  • 1922 Artesia Blvd. (Department of Recreation and Community Services), North Redondo Beach

Other locations include:

  • 26123 S. Narbonne Ave. (Lomita Sheriff's Station), Lomita
  • 3300 Civic Center Drive (Torrance Police Department), Torrance
  • 540 Pier Ave. (Hermosa Beach Police Department), Hermosa Beach
  • 420 15th St. (Manhattan Beach Police Department), Manhattan Beach

A comprehensive list of the locations is available at on the DEA's website. The service is free and no questions will be asked.

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Illict substances—including methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana—will not be accepted.

A total of 244 tons of prescription drugs were turned in nationwide during collections at over 5,200 sites last September, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

"Many of the unused or expired prescription medications that are kept in the home are highly susceptible to misuse and abuse," according to a statement from the RBPD. "Many abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet."

Flushing medications down the toilet or disposing of them in the trash both pose potential safety and health hazards, according to the LAPD.

—City News Service contributed to this report.


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