Help our Environment by Properly Disposing Unused, Unwanted or Expired Medicines

Everyday in California, unwanted or expired medicine is disposed of down the toilet. While this was once recommended practice to protect children and pets from accidental poisonings, studies show that pharmaceuticals can pass through wastewater treatment facilities into creeks, rivers, bays and oceans. In 2002, the U.S. Geological Survey reported that there were pharmaceutical compounds in 80% of waterways tested. Because many of these compounds are designed to be effective in small doses, there is concern that they may have impacts on water quality and wildlife.

Disposing of pharmaceutical wastes - including prescription drugs, over the counter medications and veterinary drugs - into your sink or toilet is no longer acceptable and can potentially harm our ocean environment. Answers to some frequently asked questions on this topic can be found here.

BETTER OPTIONS FOR DISPOSAL

1. Take to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day or Event

Carpinteria area residents may dispose of unused or expired pharmaceutical wastes at the
following location:

Community Hazardous Waste Collection Center
University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB)
Mesa Road, Building 565
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 882-3602
Hours: Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m

Additionally, the City of Carpinteria holds a community hazardous waste collection day each year in April at Carpinteria City Hall. Call 684-5405 for more information.

2. Properly Dispose of in the Trash Following Recommended Guidelines

Unused medicines may be safely thrown in the trash by following some simple procedures to prevent unintended use or accidental ingestion. Click on the link below for disposal guidelines.

GUIDELINES FOR PROPER DISPOSAL

THANK YOU FOR HELPING US PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT