The Safe Medicine Disposal Program is holding special collection events where you can get rid of your unwanted medicines free of charge. The events accept most medicines, including over the counter, prescription and pet medicines in pill, liquid, and cream form. Scheduled event dates and locations:
- To be announced
More events will be added as they are scheduled. Please check back for dates and locations.
There are three options for getting rid of unwanted medicine
1. Use a Medicine Drop-off Kiosk
It's easy to dispose of your unwanted medicine year-round at a local drop-off location.
Kiosks accept pills, liquids, creams, and inhalers. Kiosks do not accept pre-filled injectors, such as EpiPens®. Instead, you must request a free injector mail-back package. Read the instructions on how to use a drop-off kiosk.
2. Pick Up a Mail-Back Envelope
Pick up a free, prepaid mail-back envelope to mail in your unwanted medicines for safe disposal at a participating location. Mail-back envelopes can be used to mail in pills, liquids, and creams for safe disposal.
3. Request a Mail-Back Package Online or by Phone
Request a free, prepaid mail-back package be sent to your home to mail in your unwanted medicines for safe disposal. Requests can be submitted online or by calling (844) 633-7765. There are three types of packages available:
- Standard envelope (for pills, liquids, and creams)
- Injector (for EpiPens® and other pre-filled injectors)
- Inhalers (for inhalers and aerosols)
Safe Medicine Disposal Practices
- Don’t keep medicines in your home when they are no longer needed.
- Don’t flush medicine down the toilet or sink.
- Don't put medicine in the trash.
Drop-Off Kiosk Instructions
- When you visit a drop-off location, simply place your medicine in the kiosk.
- Pills - Combine pills in a sealed plastic bag or in as few containers as possible. Remove personal information from empty containers/packaging and place in your home recycling.
- Liquid or Cream Medicines - Tighten the container lid or place the entire container in a sealed plastic bag to prevent leaking.
- Aerosols or Inhalers - Place directly into the kiosk.
Drop-off locations DO NOT accept:
- Medical needles or syringes
- Pharmacy drop-off - Take to any Walgreens pharmacy in San Francisco and ask for the free Sharps Disposal Program. Visit SFRecycles to find other locations that accept medical needles.
- Mail-Back Package - Request a free, prepaid mail-back package be sent to your home to mail in your unwanted medical needles or syringes. Requests can be submitted online or by calling (844) 482-5322.
- Pre-filled injectors (e.g. EpiPens®) - Request a free, prepaid mail-back package be sent to your home to mail in your unwanted injectors. Requests can be submitted online or by calling (844) 633-7765.
- Vitamins or supplements - Vitamins and supplements can be safely composted. Place the vitamin or supplement in your compost bin and place any recyclable packaging in your recycling bin.
- Thermometers - Take thermometers to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility or request a free Home Pickup.
- Non-Medicated Personal Care Items - Use the item up, donate it, or place it in your household trash bin. Examples include toothpaste, shampoo, sunscreen, peroxide, etc.
More information
- Residents: For safe medicine disposal questions, contact the Environment Department at (415) 355-3700 or [email protected]
- Pharmacies: To request a safe medicine disposal poster and other display materials, contact the Environment Department at (415) 355-3700 or [email protected].
- Clinics, Hospitals, Doctor's Offices - For more information about disposal of medicines from a business, contact the Department of Public Health's Hazardous Materials and Waste program at (415) 252-3800 or [email protected].