Can I drop off medications or syringes to your stations?
No, medications and syringes are not accepted at our stations. Information on where they can be dropped off can be found here.
🔹 Sharps Disposal (Mail-Back Program)
Q: How can I safely dispose of used needles, lancets, and syringes?
A: California law prohibits placing sharps in the trash, recycling, or flushing them. Instead, you may order a free mail-back sharps package through the state-run program. The package includes all necessary materials and prepaid return shipping.
- Order online: SharpstakeBackCalifornia.org
- Order via phone: (844) 4‑TAKE‑BACK or (844) 482‑5322
How it works:
- Use the provided container to store sharps at home—never trash them loose.
- When full, seal the container and mail it back using the prepaid label.
This helps protect sanitation workers, keeps sharps out of the environment, and covers a variety of sharps including auto-injectors, blood glucose needles, lancets, and more
🔹 Medication Disposal (Mail-Back & Drop-Off)
Q: What should I do with unused or expired medications?
A: California offers a safe, statewide program for disposing of medicine at no cost. You can choose from:
- Mail-back envelopes (with postage prepaid)
- Year-round drop-off kiosks at pharmacies, clinics, or law enforcement agencies
- DEA National Take-Back Day events (twice yearly)
To use mail-back services, visit MedTakeBackCalifornia.org or call (844) 4‑TAKE‑BACK / (844) 482‑5322
Tips for disposal:
- Do not flush medications or throw them in the trash.
- Deface personal information on prescription labels before disposal.
- Only prescription pills, ointments, and liquids are accepted—no sharps or batteries