The City of Chula Vista and the U.S Drug Enforcement Administration will host the annual Drug Take-Back Day on April 30, alloting a dumping space for the public to properly dispose of unwanted prescription medication.
Residents may bring expired, unused, or unwanted prescription drugs for disposal to the Chula Vista Public Works Center located at 1800 Maxwell Road from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This site cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharp items; only pills or patches.
Over the 10 years of Take Back Day, DEA has brought in more than 6,800 tons of prescription drugs. According to the DEA, various studies have shown a majority of abused prescription drugs come from family and friends, including from home medicine cabinets, clearing out unused medicine is essential.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. has seen an increase in overdose deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 83,544 Americans overdosing during the 12 months ending July 1, 2020, the most ever recorded in 12 months. The increase in drug overdose deaths appeared to begin before the COVID-19 health emergency but accelerated significantly during the first months of the pandemic.
"Every day, unused medications find a new home – whether they’re lost, stolen, or misplaced – when they are not cared for responsibly,” said John W. Callery, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA San Diego Field Division. “These medications can become deadly poisons in the wrong hands. You have the power to make a difference and protect yourself and your loved ones from potential addiction and overdose.”
Old and unused paint and certain paint-related products will also be accepted at this year’s Drug Take-Back event. Space is limited for the paint take-back and Eventbrite registration is required.
Acceptable items will include house paint and primers (latex and oil-based), stains, deck and concrete sealers, and clear finishes (e.g., varnish, shellac, etc.). The paint must be in a sealed container with the original manufacturer's label.
Aerosols (spray paint), solvents and other hazardous waste will not be accepted.
Businesses must qualify as exempt generators under federal and any analogous state hazardous waste generator rules to use the PaintCare program for oil-based products.
Read a complete list of accepted products, check business limits, and register online by visiting https://paint-chula-vista.eventbrite.com/?aff=newsletter.
