Drug Take Back Day at South Lake Tahoe Earth Day Festival

SLTPD and TASK team up to collect unused medications and promote safe disposal

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:56am

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A translucent, ghostly X-ray image showing the internal structures of various prescription medication bottles and pills, conveying the importance of proper disposal to prevent misuse and environmental harm.An X-ray view of unused medications highlights the need for safe disposal to protect public health and the environment.South Lake Tahoe Today

The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) and Tahoe Alliance for Safe Kids (TASK) will be participating in a nationwide Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the South Lake Tahoe Earth Day Festival. They will be collecting unused or expired prescription medication, vitamins, and pet medications to prevent misuse and protect the environment.

Why it matters

Proper disposal of unused medications, especially addictive opioids, is crucial to prevent accidental poisoning and drug misuse. This event also helps keep medications out of water systems and the environment.

The details

The Drug Take Back Day booth will be set up inside the South Lake Tahoe Earth Day Festival at Lake Tahoe Community College from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 18, 2026. In addition to the festival collection, there are also permanent take-back boxes available year-round at the SLTPD, El Dorado County Sheriff's Office, Douglas County Sheriff's Office, and Safeway Pharmacy locations.

  • The Drug Take Back Day event will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
  • The collection booth will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the South Lake Tahoe Earth Day Festival.

The players

South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD)

The local law enforcement agency participating in the Drug Take Back Day event and providing permanent medication collection boxes.

Tahoe Alliance for Safe Kids (TASK)

A community organization partnering with SLTPD to host the Drug Take Back Day event and provide information on safe medication disposal and storage.

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The takeaway

This Drug Take Back Day event is an important opportunity for South Lake Tahoe residents to safely dispose of unused medications and learn about protecting their families and the environment from the dangers of improper medication storage and disposal.