Medication Disposal

Santa Clara County Unwanted Medication Drop-Off Program offers residents a convenient and environmentally-friendly alternative to flushing or throwing away pills, expired medications, medicinal liquids, controlled substances or illegal drugs. Residents now have 13 locations where they can safely dispose of medications, as well as controlled substances, no questions asked. Drop boxes, similar to standard U.S. Mail boxes, are located at three Sheriff‚s Office locations and at 10 pharmacies at the Valley Medical Center and Valley Health Centers.

The County may further expand the program in the future through partnerships with other pharmacies and law enforcement agencies. To find a local drop-off location, residents may call 408.299.7300.

Sheriff's Office Locations:

Sheriff's Office Headquarters, 55 West Younger Ave, San Jose
Hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week

West Valley Patrol Sub-station, 1601 South De Anza Blvd, Cupertino
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm

South County Sub-station, 80 West Highland, San Martin
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm

Pharmacy Locations:

Bascom Pharmacy, 750 S. Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128

Outpatient Pharmacy, 751 S. Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128

Enborg Pharmacy, 2221 Enborg Ln, San Jose, CA 95128

Moorpark Pharmacy, 2400 Moorpark Av, San Jose, CA 95128

East Valley Pharmacy, 1993 McKee Rd, San Jose, CA 95116

Fair Oaks, 660 S. Fair Oaks, Sunnyvale, CA 94085

Lenzen Pharmacy, 976 Lenzen Av, San Jose, CA 95126

Gilroy Pharmacy, 7475 Camino Arroyo, Gilroy, CA 95020

Silver Creek Pharmacy, 1620 E. Capital Expressway, San Jose, CA 95121

Tully Pharmacy, 500 Tully Rd, San Jose, CA 95111

Most VHC Pharmacies are open 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. The Bascom Pharmacy is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 8am, and Saturday, Sunday. and holidays from 9am to 5:30pm.

Additional information about the Santa Clara County Program: tinyurl.com/4ssmnad.

News Release: 2009 County Implements Pharmaceutical Drop-Off Program

TakeAway Environmental Return System:

This mail back system provides a secure, convenient, turnkey solution for proper treatment of unused or unwanted medications, both prescription and over–the–counter drugs.

• An 8"x11" padded envelope is used to mail back unused or unwanted medications.
• Envelopes can be purchased at any local pharmacy: CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, or Safeway for a minimal cost. The cost includes shipping and handling and is in compliance with applicable regulations.
• Simply follow the instructions for use – fill it, seal it, and return it via the U.S Postal Service.

Controlled Prescriptions (Drugs) CANNOT BE USED with TakeAway Environmental Return System Envelopes.

Examples of controlled prescriptions (drugs) are:

Refer to the instructions for use for acceptable medications that can be used with this product. If you are unsure if your medications are controlled drugs, please ask your pharmacist, or go to http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/index.html.

Additional safe disposal of unwanted medication may also be found at Earth911: earth911.com.