Drug Take Back Day Nets Over 50 Pounds of Pills in South Lake Tahoe

During April's South Lake Tahoe Drug Take Back Day, over 50 pounds of prescription drugs were dropped off anonymously in the bins location in the Safeway parking lot. This is about a 27% increase over last year's efforts.

Getting unused prescription drugs out of the home is a major step in accomplishing two major goals of Drug Take Back Day: Keeping drugs out of the landfills and water systems and keep drugs out of the hands of people who they weren't prescribed for.

"I'd like to give huge thank you to the Police Department and DEA for putting on such a valuable event," said Melody Easton, South Tahoe Drug Free Coalition Coordinator. "With the large turnout it is clear that it is a desperately needed resource. I also want to thank the South Tahoe Drug Free Coalition volunteers who came out. Thanks to them, we had over 50 surveys filled out by community members that helps give us a clue as to what is needed for Prescription Drug resources in South Lake Tahoe. Events such as these help to reduce the number of prescription medications available to young people. We are grateful to the community for coming out to support the event."

While the event was great for getting prescription drugs disposed of correctly, there is also an expressed interest in needing more needle disposal resources locally.

What many people don't know is that South Tahoe Refuse is a California State Permitted medical waste disposal site. Any local residents, from both NV and CA sides of South Lake Tahoe, can drop off their needles (also known as "sharps")in a puncture resistant container with a sealed lid. It is a free service and no names are required. If needle users don't have the approved red medical waste containers they can also use other sturdy plastic containers such as those used for one gallon orange juices. If you don't use the approved red containers, place either a red bio-hazard sticker on the outside or mark an "X" on the outside with a red marking pen.

Needles do not have to be dropped off on Hazardous Waste days and can be disposed of when the transfer station is open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There are also mail away needle disposal programs that people using needles can have access too. There are fees involved for postage and containers.

It is against the law in California to dispose of needles in household trash. Nevada has no such law but, in order to protect refuse employees and those in landfills, it is requested that sharps are kept out of the trash.