There is now a permanent drug-disposal bin located in the lobby of the South Lake Tahoe Police Department.

South Tahoe Drug Free Coalition led the charge to make this a reality.

The bin is in a secure location for anyone in the community to properly dispose of unused, unwanted or expired prescription drugs. Liquids and “sharps” (needles, lancets, syringes and IVs) cannot be dropped off. They may be disposed of in a puncture resistant container at South Tahoe Refuse’s hazardous materials drop off.

Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet, according to the coalition.

And water companies don’t want them flushed, nor do garbage companies want them in the trash. Flushing and tossing pose health and environmental problems.

Unwanted prescription medications may be taken to the drug-disposal bin Monday–Friday, 9am-3pm. For after-hours drop offs there is a buzzer located outside the door. The department is at 1352 Johnson Blvd., South Lake Tahoe. For more info, call 530.542.6100.