Published By: ERM: Pollution Prevention
Why should I safely dispose of my expired prescription and over-the-counter medications?
Because wastewater treatment plants were never designed to remove medications or other chemicals, and flushing your expired over-the-counter and prescription medications can harm aquatic life in the San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean.
Why isn't there a permanent drop-off location in San Francisco for old/expired medication?
Unfortunately, at this time, the options available to residents for disposing of medication through permanent take-back programs or one-day collection events are limited due to several regulatory and cost issues. Current State and Federal regulations make it difficult for pharmacies to set up take-back programs and for the City and County of San Francisco to establish permanent collection sites.
In the interim, the SFPUC, SF Department of Environment and Recology have piloted a mail-in program for SF residents. SFPUC is also currently working with other City departments, State, and Federal regulators, and staff of the Mayor's Office to try and change the regulatory barriers to establishing more permanent locations for residents.
Where can I safely dispose of my medications?
1. Pilot Main-In Program: SFPUC, SF Department of Environment and Recology are piloting a mail-in program of pharmaceuticals for SF residents. To learn more about the program, call the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program at 415-330-1405. Mail-in envelopes can be picked up at:
- San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
415-695-7378 (Please call first as there is a limited supply.)
- SF Department of Enviroment
415-355-3777
- Recology San Francisco
415-330-1400
2. Here are some places that currently accept old/expired over-the-counter and prescription medications. Please contact them for more information:
- Recycled AIDS Medicine Program (RAMP) - If you have medications (sealed or opened) that are unexpired or up to one year out of date, you may donate the medications to the Recycled AIDS Medication Program (RAMP). This program is not limited to AIDS medications. For more information, visit RAMP or call 415-285-0606. Please visit http://www.rampusa.org/home/index.htm for more information.
- Costco - Take back limited to expired Costco prescriptions only.
415-626-4341
- Green Dentistry - Please no narcotics, controlled substances or needles/sharps.
415-433-0119
- Visit http://earth911.com/ - Visit website, enter "medication" and your Zip Code to find a take back location near you.
Remember, Mercury filled fever thermometers are also considered a hazardous waste and should never be disposed of in the trash or toilet!
For more information about pharmaceuticals and other chemicals and the potential health risks associated with each of them, visit our website by clicking on the following link:
http://sfwater.org/detail.cfm/MC_ID/13/MSC_ID/166/MTO_ID/298/C_ID/655#Pharmaceuticals
