Shasta County, California — Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) said in a press release that local pharmacies will be installing multiple safe medication disposal kiosks across Shasta County, allowing them to close four kiosks located outside the Redding and Anderson police departments and the Burnie and Shasta Lake sheriff’s offices.
Related: Latest federal regulations force drug disposal kiosk in Redding to close
Shasta County Health and Human Services said kiosks are no longer permitted outside of law enforcement offices. Federal Guidelines Drug waste collection receptacles located at law enforcement agencies must be located indoors. Law enforcement agencies may only participate in take-back events and mail-in collection programs.
HHSA is offering to help Shasta County residents who have old or unused medications: 16 disposal kiosks Available at pharmacies across Shasta County or with a free mail-in return option. Med Project.
According to HHSA, safe disposal of medications helps prevent potentially dangerous drug misuse by young people and others who are not prescribed the medication.
The best way to protect your family, friends and the environment is to dispose of your medicines safely using our free disposal kiosks and return by mail options.
Shasta County Health and Human Services said four medication disposal kiosks were installed outside law enforcement agency sites in Shasta County in 2015. At the time, they were the primary means of medication disposal for Shasta County residents and were funded by the Health and Human Services Department.
Since then, California has enacted Senate Bill 212, requiring drug manufacturers and distributors to fund programs that offer free drug disposal options statewide, such as disposal kiosks in pharmacies.
HHSA said passing on the costs to drug companies saves taxpayer money that can be redirected to other priorities.
With so many more medication disposal options available, HHSA and local law enforcement say they encourage all residents to dispose of their old, unused medications safely and securely.
