Unwanted and Expired Medications

Why should I dispose of my expired medications at pharmacies or police stations instead of flushing down the toilet?

Because wastewater treatment plants were never designed to remove medications or other chemicals, and flushing them can harm aquatic life in the San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean.

What should I do?

San Francisco has a new pilot program funded by grants from pharmaceutical manufacturers. For any unwanted and non-controlled medicines (such as over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, empty inhaler cartridges, pet medicines and medicated ointments and lotions), please visit one of the participating pharmacies for proper disposal.

For unwanted or expired controlled medicines (for example, codeine, narcotics, Vicodin, stimulants, etc.), please drop them off at any of the 10 San Francisco Police Stations. When you visit a police station, take your medicine directly to the window. You may be asked for your name and address. If you are uncomfortable giving this information, politely tell the officer that you “decline to state.”

Prepare for your visit

• Mix pills in a ziplock bag or in as few containers as possible.
• Tighten the lids of liquid medicines or place the entire bottle in a ziplock bag.
• Check this short list or this complete list to see if your medicines are controlled substances. Controlled substances are only accepted at police stations.

See the map and lists below for locations.

Recycle AIDS Medication Program (RAMP)

If you have medications (sealed or opened) that are unexpired or up to one year out of date, you may donate the medications to the Recycled AIDS Medication Program (RAMP). This program is not limited to AIDS medications. For more information, visit RAMP or call (415) 285-0606.