Department of Healthcare Services - Drug Take-Back Program
This program, developed and administered by the California Product Stewardship Council, has the goal of increasing the disposal of unwanted medicines across the state of California. This program was generously funded by the US federal government and the California Department of Healthcare Services.
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.
How does it work?
Follow these 3 easy steps:
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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).
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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.
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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 does and does not go in the Don't Rush to Flush bins?
What can I put in the bin?
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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.
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Over-the-counter medications
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Medicated ointments and lotions (leave tightly sealed in original containers)
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Pet medications
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?
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Illegal (Schedule I) Controlled Substances (e.g. marijuana, heroin, LSD, etc.)
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Medical Sharps and Needles (hypodermic needles, syringes, auto injectors, infusion sets, connection needles/sets, and lancets)
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Auto-injectors (e.g. EpiPen®)
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Iodine-containing medications
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Mercury Thermometers
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Radiopharmaceuticals
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Chemotherapy or cytotoxic medications
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Compressed cylinders or aerosols (e.g. asthma inhalers)
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Vitamins and dietary supplements
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Business medical waste (e.g. company representative’s product samples, waste from hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s, dentist’s, and veterinarian’s practices)
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Thermometers