Two prescription safe-disposal events scheduled April 22

If you’re thinking about tackling some spring cleaning tasks, a couple of upcoming community events can help support that effort.

Partnership Douglas County and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office host a Prescription Drug Round Up 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 22. Unused, unwanted, or expired medications, including over-the-counter pills and vitamins; prescription liquids, pills, and patches; medication samples; and pet medications can be safely disposed at the following locations during the event:

• Judicial & Law Enforcement Center, 1038 Buckeye Road in Minden

• East Fork Fire Station 4 (TRE), 1476 Albite Road in Wellington

• Roundhill Safeway, 212 Elks Point Road in Zephyr Cove

Medication should be left in the original container with identifying information marked out. Aerosol cans, inhalers, ointments, syringes, hydrogen peroxide, and other liquids cannot be accepted.

If you’re unable to make the Round Up event, other options are available. A number of safe disposal drop boxes are located throughout Douglas County and are accessible year-round:

• Carson Valley Community Food Closet, 1251 Waterloo Lane in Gardnerville

• Carson Valley Health Emergency Department, 1107 HWY 395 N in Gardnerville

• Judicial & Law Enforcement Center, 1038 Buckeye Road in Minden

Friends in Service Helping, 921 Mitch Drive in the Gardnerville Ranchos

Lake Tahoe Law Enforcement Building, 175 Highway 50 in Stateline

At-home drug disposal kits are available at: Partnership Douglas County, 1625 Hwy 88, Suite 104 in Minden; Smith’s Food & Drug, 1341 Hwy 395 N in Gardnerville, and the Roundhill Safeway.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Days are held twice per year in April and October. Since 2010, these events have offered an opportunity to dispose of medications in a secure manner, thus helping to prevent misuse or theft and promoting a healthier and safer community. These events also help prevent medications from being flushed down the drain, which is important in keeping the water supply clean and people and aquatic wildlife safe from pharmaceutical pollution.

For more information about the local Prescription Drug Round Up, contact Partnership Douglas County at 775-782-8611 or by email at info@pdcnv.org.

RE/MAX hosts paper shredding event

Also on April 22, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates sponsor a free paper shred event from 9 a.m. until noon at their Gardnerville office, 1320 Main St.

This annual event, timed to coincide with tax season, provides a way to securely discard any paper materials that contain sensitive personal information. All are welcome to bring outdated statements, documents, bills, or other paperwork, which will be shredded onsite. There’s limit of 100 pounds of paper per family.

During the shred event, organizers at RE/MAX are also collecting donations to benefit the Douglas County Animal Shelter. Needed items including dry and canned dog and cat food, cleaning supplies, hard pet toys, treats, and animal bedding. Monetary contributions are also welcome; checks can be made out to DCAS.

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