Safe Disposal

Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Year after year, the majority of misused and abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including someone else’s medication being stolen 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.

Rx Drop-Off

Unused prescription drugs can be dropped off at:

CLEARLAKE

Moran’s Pharmacy

15175 Lakeshore Dr

707-994-6440 for more information

Medications can be dropped off during regular lobby hours of 9 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday, and

9 AM to 1 PM on Saturday.

LAKEPORT

Lakeport Police Department

2025 South Main Street
707-263-5491 for more information

Medications can be dropped off during regular lobby hours of 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.

Clearlake Police Department

14050 Olympic Drive

707-994-8251 for more information

Medications can be dropped off during regular lobby hours of 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.

DisposeRx

DisposeRx packets contain a blend of patented and proprietary solidifying materials that provide a safe solution for the disposal of unused or expired medications. When water and the DisposeRx powder are added to drugs in the prescription vial and shaken, the drugs are dissolved and then chemically and physically sequestered in a viscous polymer gel made from materials that are FDA approved for oral medications. Most pharmacies hand out DisposeRx packets along with prescription pills.

Deterra

The patented Deterra® System is a scientifically proven product, powered by proprietary MAT₁₂® Molecular Adsorption Technology. In a simple 3-step process, a user can deactivate drugs, thereby preventing drug misuse and protecting the environment. Deterra is available online and at some large retail stores, such as Walmart.

Safe disposal of “sharps”

“Sharps” include any hypodermic needle, pen or lancet used to deliver medication.

California state law prohibits placing sharps in the garbage. Used sharps should be disposed of by placing in approved puncture-resistant containers to prevent accidental puncture wounds. Approved containers are available at all Lake County pharmacies for a $5 co-pay as part of a Sharps Disposal-by-Mail program run by the Lake County Public Services Department.

For more information about the Sharps Disposal-by-Mail Program, please talk to your pharmacist or call 707-263-1980.