Pharmaceutical and Sharps Waste Stewardship

California’s Pharmaceutical and Sharps Waste Stewardship Programs provide safe and convenient disposal options for pharmaceutical and home-generated sharps waste at no cost to the consumer. CalRecycle oversees the programs, which are run by MED-Project and The Drug Takeback Solutions Foundation, the nonprofit stewardship organizations created by pharmaceutical and sharps manufacturers and other entities within the distribution chain.

Program News

  • On July 18, 2025, CalRecycle received revised 2024 annual reports from MED-Project (covered drugs / sharps).
  • On July 17, 2025, The Drug Takeback Solutions Foundation notified CalRecycle of proposed changes to its stewardship plan for home-generated sharps waste regarding its mail-back program and metrics for education and outreach. CalRecycle is reviewing the proposal as a significant change.
  • On July 7, 2025, CalRecycle approved proposed changes to MED-Project’s stewardship plan for covered drugs regarding reasonable geographic spread.
  • On June 30, 2025, CalRecycle issued compliance determinations for MED-Project’s and The Drug Takeback Solutions Foundation’s 2024 annual reports (covered drugs /sharps).
  • On June 20, 2025, CalRecycle issued compliance determinations for MED-Project’s and The Drug Takeback Solutions Foundation’s 2026 annual program budgets (covered drugs /sharps).

Read the law and regulations for details.

Where and How Do I Dispose of Pharmaceuticals?

To find disposal drop-off locations or obtain mail-back supplies, visit medtakebackcalifornia.org or call (844) 4-TAKE-BACK or (844) 482-5322.

How Do I Dispose of Home-Generated Sharps Waste?

To order a free sharps waste container with mail-back materials, visit sharpstakebackcalifornia.org or call (844) 4-TAKE-BACK or (844) 482-5322.

This page is not intended to provide legal determinations or contain a comprehensive list of legal requirements.