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National Prescription Drug Take-back Day happening Saturday in Bakersfield, Tehachapi

Posted at 8:51 AM, Oct 24, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-24 11:51:37-04

Saturday marks National Prescription Drug Take-back Day. There are multiple collections taking place around the county this weekend including in Bakersfield and Tehachapi.

The collection in Bakersfield is a partnership between Kaiser Permanente and the Bakersfield Police Department. The goal is to help get unwanted and old medications out of homes. This will help stop people from getting sick or possibly abusing these medications.

23ABC spoke with a representative from Kaiser Permanente about why this day is so important.

"The best way to dispose of medications is to bring them to an event like this one. We are going to be incinerating those medications along with the Bakersfield Police Department. This is the safest way to do so. If you flush the medications they can contaminate our water supply. If you throw them in the trash they could get into the hands of the wrong person," said Nicole Sprague.

This event is happening at the Kaiser Permanente on Stockdale Highway. This is a no questions asked event-- so there is no need to be nervous about turning in old medications. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The city of Tehachapi is also hosting a drug take-back event. It's happening today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as well

You can head over to the Tehachapi Police Department to drop off your old medications. It's located at 220 West C Street. Again this service is free and anonymous with no questions asked.

The site will not accept any liquids or old needles.