Pharmaceuticals
New, Convenient Locations Added
In December 2016, Contra Costa County passed a Safe Drug Disposal Ordinance that requires pharmaceutical manufacturers to set up free disposal locations within the county. There are now additional, convenient locations that accept unwanted and expired medication. These can be found on the MED-Project Website.
Why?
Pharmaceuticals and unwanted or expired medications can be dangerous for a number of reasons:
44 people die of prescription drug overdoses everyday (Centers for Disease Control Website)
Drug overdose was the leading cause of injury death in 2013. Among people 25 to 64 years old, drug overdose caused more deaths than motor vehicle traffic crashes (Center for Disease Control Website)
Each day, almost 7,000 people are treated in emergency departments for using prescription drugs in a manner other than as directed (Center for Disease Control Website)
Flushing drugs down the drain can be harmful to aquatic life and the environment - www.nodrugsdownthedrain.org
How to Package
Pills should be poured out into Ziploc bags (it protects your privacy and lowers our cost). It’s ok to mix all your pills in one bag.
Liquids and creams: leave in their original container and secure caps/lids and black out any personally identifying information. Inhalers and aerosol cans are okay.
Bring to the Delta Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility – open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9:00am – 4:00pm (except holidays).
Controlled Substances
Controlled substances are drugs that have high potential for abuse and may lead to physical psychological dependent and cannot legally be accepted at the Delta Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility. Examples include:
- Narcotic pain medications like vicodin, oxycontin, and codeine
- Sleeping pills like Valium, Lunesta, and Ambien
- Behavioral drugs: ADD/ADHD drugs like Concerta & Adderall; Antidepressants like Zoloft
- Cough syrups with codeine
- If you’re not sure, check the internet, check with your pharmacist, or check the DEA Website ( DEA Controlled Substances list)
There are currently two sites in East Contra Costa County that can accept controlled substances:
- Antioch Police Department - 300 "L" Street, Antioch
- Pittsburg Police Department - 65 Civic Avenue, Pittsburg
Other Take-Back Locations
The District partnered with the California Product Stewardship Council and the City of Pittsburg to expand the number of pharmaceutical take-back locations in East Contra Costa County. Three new collection locations have recently been established.
- Pittsburg Police Department - 65 Civic Avenue, Pittsburg
- Brighter Beginnings Family Health Clinic - 2213 Buchanan Road, #103, Antioch
- Office of Supervisor Diane Burgis - 3361 Walnut Boulevard, Suite 140, Brentwood
Please visit Don'tRushToFlush.org for more information and additional locations..
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