Medication Disposal
Leftover and other unwanted medications can get into the hands of minors which may lead to accidental poisonings or intentional misuse. Unwanted medications sometimes they are improperly disposed of in the trash or down the toilet. This can cause environmental problems in the soil and water systems. In order to take a proactive approach in facilitating the proper disposal of unwanted medication, Contra Costa County passed 418-16 for Safe Drug Disposal in 2016.
The Safe Drug Disposal ordinance ensures producers of pharmaceutical drugs implement a safe drug disposal stewardship plan. Stewardship programs may be run by individual producers, together with other producers or by a stewardship organization that is designated by the producer(s). Stewardship plans must be submitted for review to Contra Costa Environmental Health (CCEH). If the stewardship plan satisfies conditions in Safe Drug Disposal ordinance the plan will be approved for operation.
The stewardship plan must provide free easily accessible disposal options for residents of unincorporated Contra Costa County. Disposal options include drop off kiosks, mail back services, and take back events. Public use of these disposal methods will reduce the number of unwanted drugs that are disposed of properly.