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 December 23, 2024, CalRecycle issued compliance determinations for The Drug Takeback Solutions Foundation’s revised 2023 annual reports (covered drugs / sharps).
- On November 22, 2024, The Drug Takeback Solutions Foundation submitted revised 2025 annual program budgets for covered drugs and home-generated sharps waste.
- On November 8, 2024, MED-Project notified CalRecycle of proposed changes to its stewardship plan for covered drugs. CalRecycle is reviewing the proposal as a significant change.
- On September 27, 2024, The Drug Takeback Solutions Foundation submitted revised 2023 annual reports for covered drugs and home-generated sharps waste.
- On July 31, 2024, CalRecycle issued Notices to The Drug Takeback Solutions Foundation regarding disapproval of its 2025 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.
More Information
- CalRecycle Public Notices page
- To report a suspected issue, use the pharma sharps referral system.
- Contact pharmasharps@calrecycle.ca.gov for questions or more information.
This page is not intended to provide legal determinations or contain a comprehensive list of legal requirements.
- Contact the Board of Pharmacy at BOPstewardship@dca.ca.gov for questions or to submit information pursuant to PRC 42031 and 42032(b)(1).
- Contact the California Department of Public Health at MedicalWaste@cdph.ca.gov for medical waste questions.
- Visit the California Department of Toxic Substances Control Pharmaceuticals and Sharps webpage and contact PharmStewardship@dtsc.ca.gov for questions about hazardous waste management.