Prescription Drug-Round Up Oct. 23

Partnership Douglas County and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office are hosting a Prescription Drug Round-Up 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center, 1038 Buckeye Road in Minden.

Expired, unused, or unwanted prescription medications; over-the-counter pills and vitamins; prescription liquids; and pet medications can be brought to the event. Aerosol cans, inhalers, needles, and other liquids will not be accepted.

Leave medications in their original container and mark out any identifying information including the patient’s name and prescription number.

If you are unable to participate in this upcoming event, safe prescription drug disposal boxes can be accessed year-round at the following locations from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday:

• Carson Valley Medical Center, 1107 U.S. Highway 395 North in Gardnerville

• DCSO Judicial and Law Enforcement Center, 1038 Buckeye Road in Minden

• Lake Tahoe Law Enforcement Building (DCSO Substation), 175 U.S. 50 in Stateline

Another alternative to the take-back program is to crush medicines in a sealable plastic bag, mix the contents with coffee grounds or kitty litter, and seal the bag before disposing. At-home drug disposal kits are also available at the following locations:

• Partnership Douglas County, 1625 State Route 88, Suite 104 in Minden

• Smiths Pharmacy, 1341 U.S. 395 N in Gardnerville

• Safeway Pharmacy, 212 Elks Point Road in Zephyr Cove

Proper disposal of medicines helps keep communities safe and soil and water supplies clean. Unused medications should never be flushed down the toilet, as they have the potential to impact water sources and harm aquatic species.

The Drug Enforcement Administration holds two drug take-back days per year as a way to provide a “safe, convenient, and responsible” way to dispose unused or expired medicines. The program also aims to educate the public about the potential for medication abuse and ways to prevent it. Information is available at takebackday.dea.gov.

Douglas Disposal sponsors autumn clean up

Looking to find some new space in your space? Douglas Disposal’s fall clean up week is scheduled for Oct. 25-29. Active weekly residential customers in Nevada can place up to six 32-gallon cans (max weight 50 pounds) and/or bags (max weight 35 pounds) roadside on their regular refuse day for no extra charge. One-foot by three-foot tied bundles will also be accepted.

Appliances, computers, furniture, hazardous materials, tires, or TVs are not included in this offer and will not be picked up.

Douglas Disposal requests all garbage totes, cans, and/or bags be placed “roadside,” meaning in the gutter or at the drivable road’s edge. Photographic representations of correct placement are available online at douglasdisposal.com.

Please be mindful of the recent bear activity in our area, and take trash to the curb on the morning of your regular pickup day.

Questions can be directed to Douglas Disposal at 775-782-5713.

Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.