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 and mail back service. 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). 

For approved pharmaceutical take back locations,  locations  with mail back supplies, and to order mail back supplies  please visit Don'tRushToFlush.org and Medtakebackcalifornia.org

Please read location information carefully.  Not all locations can accept Controlled substances.