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DON'T RUSH TO FLUSH

Promoting the proper disposal of unwanted medicines across the state of California.

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FIND A BIN

Bin Drop-Off Locations

 

To find a location, click on the expand icon (in the top right of the map below), then click on the search icon (magnifying glass in the upper left corner), type in your address, and then press enter.  Zoom in or out to see more locations near you.  NOTE:  If you're viewing this site from a mobile device, please manipulate the image below using your finger to see the components referenced in the instructions above.

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HOW IT WORKS
WHAT GOES IN
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How does it work?

Follow these 3 easy steps:

  1. At home, remove pills and other solid medications from their containers and consolidate in a clear plastic zipper bag. Keep liquid and cream medication tightly sealed in their original containers. (NOTE – keep medications in their child-proof container until just prior to drop off).

  2. Remove, mark out, or otherwise obscure personal information from solid and liquid/cream medication containers to protect your personal information. Recycle containers for solid medications in your household recycling.

  3. Bring zipper bag and any liquids/creams to a Don’t Rush to Flush location and place in the bin – It’s that easy!

 

Note: Medications should remain in the original child-proof container until just prior to drop-off.

What goes in the Don't Rush to Flush bins?

What can I put in the bin?

  • Prescription medications

    • Only certain locations accept Schedule II to V Controlled Substance medications. Please check the bin locations map for information about what types of medications each site can accept.

  • Over-the-counter medications

  • Medicated ointments and lotions

    • NOTE: Leave tightly sealed in original containers.

  • Pet medications

  • Liquid prescriptions

    • Must be 6 oz. or less and in sealed bottles.

 

Note:  Schedule II to V Controlled Substance medications are prescribed medications that are strictly regulated because they have a high potential for abuse and/or can cause harm when ingested by the wrong person. To check if your medication is a controlled substance, please check this short list or this complete list.

 

What can't I put in the bin?

  • Illegal (Schedule I) Controlled Substances

    • E.g. marijuana, heroin, LSD, etc.

  • Medical Sharps and Needles

    • Hypodermic needles, syringes, auto injectors, infusion sets, connection needles/sets, and lancets.

  • Auto-injectors

    • E.g. EpiPen®.

  • Iodine-containing medications

  • Mercury Thermometers

  • Radiopharmaceuticals

  • Chemotherapy or cytotoxic medications

  • Compressed cylinders or aerosols

    • E.g. asthma inhalers.

      • NOTE: Check signage on the med bin and local rules of the disposal/incinerator operator as they may allow inhalers to be put into bins.

  • Vitamins and dietary supplements

  • Business medical waste

    • E.g. company representative’s product samples, waste from hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s, dentist’s, and veterinarian’s practices.

  • Thermometers

 

 

General Reference Information

 

What if I want to learn more about the DHCS California Drug Take-Back Program?

Click here for more information.

 

What if I have additional questions?

We encourage you to reach out to us via email (info@calpsc.org).

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