Over-the-counter and prescription medications are an important part of our daily lives. But what about medications that have expired or were never taken? How do you get rid of those? The previous remedy was to flush them down the toilet away from children and pets, but that method has proven to cause many more problems than it solved.

The District’s two wastewater treatment plants are efficient at removing many pollutants from the wastewater, however sewage treatment systems are not specifically engineered to remove pharmaceuticals, and those drugs can pass through the plant and into the ocean when people flush them down the toilet or sink.

To remedy this situation, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department installed secure collection drop-boxes at several Sheriff’s facilities. Community members are welcome to come to any of the facilities listed on their website where unwanted medications may be turned in anonymously. The closest facililty for most Vallecitos customers is the San Marcos Station, located at 182 Santar Place in San Marcos.

More information and list of medication drop off centers in San Diego County...   

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