Free medication take-back across Placer County on Oct. 29

A free medication take-back event will take place at many locations across Placer County and in Truckee on Saturday, Oct. 29. Local law enforcement, in collaboration with youth organizations, utilities, public health entities and local schools, will hold drop-offs at nine locations in western Placer County from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They will accept prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vape devices with batteries removed and veterinary medications. During last year's countywide take-back events, more than 9,244 pounds of medication were collected for safe disposal, and 90,000 pounds have been collected since the first take-back event in 2010. Take-back locations include: Roseville: Maidu Community Center1550 Maidu Drive Roseville High School1 Tiger Way Sun City – Roseville7050 Del Web Blvd. Loomis:Del Oro High School3301 Taylor Road Lincoln:Lincoln Police Dept.770 7th Street Rocklin:Rocklin Police Dept.4080 Rocklin Road Rocklin Fire Station #32001 Wildcat Blvd. Auburn:City Hall1225 Lincoln Way Justice Center, Placer County Government Center campus2929 Richardson Drive Truckee:Gateway Shopping Center11290 Donner Pass Road Other take-back location details can be found at dea.gov/takebackday#collection-locator. Leave pills and liquids in their original containers. All medications collected are securely delivered to be incinerated and generated into power. Unacceptable items include sharps, lancets, medical waste, illicit drugs, including cannabis products, aerosols and hydrogen peroxide. Batteries must be removed from vape devices. "Drug Take Back day is an excellent opportunity to dispose of expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs," said Christina Ivazes, a Health Education Program Coordinator with Placer County's Public Health Department. "Not only does this event help keep unwanted drugs out of the hands of our youth and other potential misusers, but it also protects our natural resources from becoming contaminated." The event is supported by the Placer-Nevada Rx Drug Safety Coalition, a nonprofit organization focused on opioid safety and increasing the awareness of local resources for the opioid/fentanyl crisis in Placer and Nevada counties. For information, call 916-258-2302.