Old, unexpired medication bottles clogging the bathroom cabinet? Leftover pills that you don’t ever think you’re going to need again?

The City of Lathrop has got you covered. 

On Saturday, April 27, Lathrop Police Services – in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration – will be holding its bi-annual drug takeback day and collection center where residents can bring in expired or unneeded medications for safe disposal. 

The event will take place at the Lathrop Center, located at 15707 5th Street, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

The event is part of a nationwide attempt at curbing drug diversion and preventing the unsafe disposal of medications. When Lathrop Police Services initially participated in the nationwide efforts residents only brought in what amounted to a few pounds of medications, but the event has gained more exposure and traction, the turnout every six months when the event is held has garnered a larger turnout and in turn even more medications. 

Residents in both Manteca and Ripon will also have a place to bring their expired or unused medications, although both cities approach the issue a little bit differently than Lathrop does. 

While Lathrop holds the bi-annual event in conjunction with other cities across the country, Manteca and Ripon collect the unused medications year-round in specialized containers that are placed in the lobby of the police station – which is then turned over to the DEA for proper disoposal.

With illicit opiate use rampant in many communities across the country, police departments urge people with prescriptions that could be abused to keep close tabs on them and make sure that if any of those pills are leftover, they’re disposed of properly by bringing them to authorized collection sites. Communities advise against flushing them down the toilet because ultimately the chemicals end up in local waterways and could adversely affect fish and wildlife that may come into contact with trace amounts. 

Medicine cabinets are also commonly the targets of drug-seeking thieves who believe that a resident may have a controlled substance on hand – making seniors susceptible to such crimes. Getting rid of the medications that aren’t absolutely necessary serves as a protection against such thieves and eliminates the possibility of familial diversion – where somebody in the household abuses the medication of another, often times without their knowledge.

The Lathrop Senior Center is located at 15707 5th Street. For additional information about the drug take-back day, contact Lathrop Police Services at 209.858.5551. 

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.