Safely dispose of e-cigarette devices, unused or expired medication at locations across Kern County

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Now is the time to clean out your medicine cabinet of unused or expired medication.

For the first time, the DEA is accepting vape pens or other e-cigarette electronic devices. However, you must remove the batteries.

This Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and local agencies will partner to offer the community safe disposal of prescription drugs.

Prescription and over-the-counter medication will be accepted however, liquids, needles, and sharps will not be accepted at the event.

The national event is held twice a year and aims to prevent prescription pill abuse and theft.

In April of 2019, close to 470 tons of unwanted and expired prescription drugs were collected nationwide.

Here is a list of locations offering to collect prescription drugs and vape pens or other e-cigarette electronic devices:

Bakersfield Police Department

• Bakersfield Police Department Lobby: 1601 Truxton Avenue
• Kaiser Permanente: 3501 Stockdale Highway
• Walmart: 5075 Gosford Road

Kern County Sheriff's Office

• Bakersfield Headquarters: 1350 Norris Road
• Lamont Substation: 12022 Main Street
• Mojave Substation: 1771 Highway 58
• Wasco Substation: 748 F Street

Tehachapi Police Department

• Tehachapi Police Department Lobby: 220 West C Street

For more information on National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, click here.