Pharmaceutical Waste Stewardship
California has industry-run statewide stewardship programs that provide safe and convenient disposal options for pharmaceutical waste at no cost to the consumer.
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.
See the Pharmaceutical Waste Stewardship Plan page for more information on the status of the programs.
Manufacturers, Distributors, Wholesalers, etc. (Covered Entities)
Resources and Contact Information
- Listserv: Sign up for email updates related to CalRecycle’s oversight of the Pharmaceutical and Sharps Waste Stewardship Law. You can review previous messages by visiting the Pharmaceutical and Sharps Waste Stewardship Listserv Archive.
- Public Notices: For public notices related to CalRecycle’s oversight of the Pharmaceutical and Sharps Waste Stewardship Law (e.g., department decisions regarding regulations, plan approval, etc.) visit the CalRecycle public notices page.
- CalRecycle Contact: Contact pharmasharps@calrecycle.ca.gov for questions or more information.
- Board of Pharmacy Contact: Contact BOPstewardship@dca.ca.gov for questions, or to submit information per PRC sections 42031 and 42032(b)(1).
- California Department of Public Health Contact: Contact MedicalWaste@cdph.ca.gov for questions.
- California Department of Toxic Substances Control: Visit this webpage and contact PharmStewardship@dtsc.ca.gov for questions.
For more information contact: Pharmaceutical and Sharps Unit, PharmaSharps@calrecycle.ca.gov