Safe Medicine Disposal

The Safe Medicine Disposal Program has been jointly operated by RRWA and local agencies throughout the Russian River watershed since 2003 and includes partnerships between local agencies, pharmacies, and law enforcement offices to safely dispose of unwanted medications, prevent overdoses, and protect the environment. For nearly 20 years, residents of Sonoma and Mendocino County have been able to dispose of their unused, expired, or otherwise unwanted medications free of charge at participating take-back locations.

In 2018, the state of California passed Senate Bill No. 212, establishing a comprehensive statewide take-back system for unwanted medicine from households. Protect your family and the environment by properly disposing of your unwanted medications. Learn more at SafeMedicineDisposal.org.

Don’t flush your unused medications down the toilet or throw them in the trash! Recent studies show that pharmaceuticals in rivers and streams, if present at high enough concentrations, can harm aquatic wildlife. When flushed down the drain, some medications are not completely removed by wastewater treatment plants and are discharged to surface waters.

Ready to dispose of your unwanted medications?

ITEMS ACCEPTED:

Controlled substances: See the list of controlled substances.
Prescription and over-the-counter-pills and capsules
Liquid medications, including ointments, lotions & creams (in sealed containers)
Veterinary medications
Vitamins, supplements, homeopathic remedies
Medical patches
Inhalers (empty)
Medical samples

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED:

IV bags
Bloody or infectious waste
Personal care products (body lotion, shampoo etc.)
Aerosol cans
Epi-pens and other needles/sharps (https://zerowastesonoma.gov/materials/sharps-needles?locale=en)
See Household Hazardous Waste Facility for Residents and related programs. Sharps/needles are accepted at all locations.
See Sharps/needles (business only)
Thermometers
Illegal drugs
Medical marijuana
Chemotherapy drugs (Ask your health care provider for disposal options.)
Pill bottles
Iodine-containing medications
Any other waste or medication not listed under “Items Accepted”

How to Participate

Bring unwanted medications to a participating location for safe disposal during business hours.

Unwanted Medicine Medtakebackcalifornia.org or call (844) 4-TAKE-BACK.

Access statewide sharps waste disposal information, including links for ordering free mail-back materials.

Home-Generated Sharps Waste SharpsTakeBackCalifornia.org or call (844) 4-TAKE-BACK

Regional Resources

The Mendocino Solid Waste Management Authority accepts through their HazMobile Program in Mendocino and Lake Counties. Call 707-468-9704 for further information. Sharps are accepted at some transfer stations. Please visit the MendoRecycle website for more information www.MendoRecycle.com
Zero Waste Sonoma accepts unwanted medicine and sharps at their household toxics facility and through their mobile collection programs.

Drop Off Locations:

MED-Project offers a searchable map of their drop box and free mail-back envelope pick up locations, including some health centers and both locally-owned and major chain pharmacies. Free mail-back services are also available.
Law enforcement locations. Check your local police department for details.

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Days (Biannual Events)

Dispose of medications, including controlled substances, at special one-day collection events sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)— typically in April and October — with additional year‑round drop‑off options available through authorized sites.

Visit DEA Take Back Day for upcoming event dates and more information.

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