The Chula Vista Office of Sustainability, in partnership with the Chula Vista Police Department and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, will be hosting the 27th semi-annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, October 26, at the John Lippitt Public Works Center, 1800 Maxwell Road.

The free event is open to all. Participants are invited to drop off unwanted, unused, or expired prescription drugs for safe disposal. Prescription pills and patches are acceptable for disposal. Pet prescription pills will also be accepted for disposal. Needles and liquids of any kind will not be accepted. Disposals are anonymous, and no RSVP is required to participate. 

Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a national semi-annual event organized by the U.S. Department of Drug Enforcement Administration. In April 2024, the events collected 670,136 lbs. of prescription drugs at 4,869 sites across the country. The initiative addresses prescription drug abuse and safety hazards that can come from incorrect prescription drug disposal. The City of Chula Vista has been participating in the event since it began in 2010. Prescriptions that are improperly disposed of can lead to environmental and public safety hazards. In addition to the Prescription Drug Take Back Day, check out the U.S. Department of Drug Enforcement Administration year-round drug collection site database for information on where else to dispose of medications.