Over One Ton of Drugs & Sharps Collected
Prescription Drug Disposal Events are a HUGE HIT!
Recently, residents from throughout San Joaquin County took the
opportunity to rid their neighborhoods and homes of potentially
dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. In a
coordinated effort to prevent pill abuse and drug theft, the San
Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department, City of Tracy, City of Manteca,
and University of the Pacific Police Departments conducted free
prescription drug disposal events for the public, in partnership
with the national Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The free
service resulted in the removal of over 1,000 pounds of prescription
drugs and over 1,000 pounds of home-generated medical sharps from
San Joaquin County households.
A total 1,100 pounds of drugs were collected for proper disposal, a
327% increase over the previous year. The Manteca Police Department
reported the collection of 156 pounds of drugs; the Tracy Police
Department almost 300 pounds; the University of the Pacific Police
Department took in 69 pounds; and more than 600 pounds were
collected at six locations throughout the County by the Sheriff’s
Department. In addition, 1,021 pounds of used medical sharps were
collected.
The Lambda Sigma Delta chapter of Rho Pi Phi, a professional
pharmacy fraternity from the UOP Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy
and Health Sciences, provided over-the-counter medication
consultations at select event locations.
The DEA reported that 188.5 tons were turned in at 5,327 sites
throughout the nation. Local law enforcement agencies and the San
Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the DEA, will
continue to hold occasional prescription drug collection events.
Stay tuned for upcoming events tentatively scheduled for April 2012
in all of the cities throughout the county. For additional drug
disposal event locations visit www.DEA.gov or call 800-882-9539.
Unwanted prescription drugs and used “sharps” continue to be a major
public health, safety, and environmental problem. Without convenient
disposal options, people may discard unused or expired drugs by
dumping them down drains or down toilets. Municipal water treatment
systems treat waste water, but drug residues are still found in the
treated water that is discharged into local waterways. The United
States Geological Survey has found that 80% of streams in the U.S.
have measurable concentrations of prescription drugs, including
steroids and hormones. Even low level exposure can
