Residents Have Variety of Options to Dispose of Pharmaceuticals

Due to a number of people placing items that are not allowed in the pharmaceutical drop-off box, the Redlands Police Department has discontinued the use of a secure pharmaceutical drop-off box in front of the Police Annex, however, Redlands residents who wish to dispose of prescription drugs, used needles and other pharmaceutical items still have a number of safe options. Improper disposal of prescription drugs, used hypodermic needles and other pharmaceutical items can create serious health and safety issues. Medications should never be flushed down the drain or thrown away in household trash. Residents may dispose of prescription drugs at the City’s Household Hazardous Waste site located at 1270 W. Park Ave. every Saturday except holiday weekends between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The Household Hazardous Waste drop-off is operated by the Redlands Fire Department. The entrance to the site is on Kansas Street north of Park Avenue. Narcotics and illegal substances may not be disposed of at the Household Hazardous Waste site. The Redlands Police Department will accept pharmaceutical items including narcotics and illegal substances, no questions asked, at the Police Annex located at 30 Cajon St. on Mondays from 4 to 6 p.m. To drop off the items, simply walk into the lobby of the Police Department Annex and make contact with a collection agent who will be present to receive your items. Please pack all items in a re-sealable clear plastic baggy. Collection agents will not accept any needles or other sharps. Residents who use hypodermic needles for any medical condition, including administering pet medications, may acquire an empty sharps container or exchange a full container at Fire Station 261 at the corner of Citrus Avenue and Redlands Boulevard. The City cannot accept containers from medical offices or businesses. Residents who have collected sharps in an approved container or a semi-rigid, plastic container with a secure lid may turn in those containers in exchange for an empty sharps container. Do not attempt to transfer sharps from one container to another as this may result in injury or illness. Prescription drugs may also be disposed of at the San Bernardino County Household Hazardous Waste drop-off site at 2824 E. W St., #302, in San Bernardino from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Some local pharmacies may also dispose of prescription drugs. Residents should check with their local pharmacy to determine their policies for prescription drug disposal.