Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions install drug take back kiosks

Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions pharmacies are encouraging residents to bring in their unused, unwanted or expired medications for safe disposal on Saturday, Apr. 22 in support of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The kiosks for medication disposal are conveniently located near the pharmacy at select store locations for easy and convenient drop off.

Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions has made kiosks available as a safeguard for both its residents and neighborhoods. Responsible disposal of over-the-counter and prescription medications can help avoid misuse as medications left in the home can contribute to accidental poisonings or drug abuse. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, which is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drug overdose deaths have been rising over the past two decades. A recent report shows that there were nearly 107,000 drug overdose deaths in 2021.

In addition, unwanted or expired medications can negatively impact our environment by polluting waterways that disrupt ecosystems if the medications are improperly discarded.

“Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions support for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day underscores our commitment to safe medication management that protects our kids, our communities and our planet,” said Christine Huang, Director of Pharmacy Operations. “We want to encourage people to safely drop off prescription drugs no longer being used at their local Albertsons, Vons, or Pavilions pharmacy.”

Drug take back kiosks are available year-round at select Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions pharmacies during regular hours at no cost to customers. To locate the nearest Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions pharmacy with a drug take back kiosk, please visit the Safe Pharmacy Drug Disposal website at safe.pharmacy. Accepted items include over-the-counter, prescription or pet medications in pills, creams or patches. The kiosks cannot accept liquids, aerosol cans, needles, syringes, or illicit drugs.