Wondering what to do with expired or otherwise unwanted medicines?
You can now dispose of them safely and confidentially at four locations throughout San Mateo County.
It used to be people were told to flush their old pharmaceuticals down the toilet. Unfortunately, the active ingredients are not removed in the wastewater treatment process and end up in our waterways and the ocean. While medications may help us humans, they can sicken or cause mutations in fish and other marine life. Recent studies have linked the 
decline in some fish species to pharmaceutical substances such as antibiotics, birth control hormones, and antidepressants.
The new collection program accepts all types of medications, from over-the-counter remedies to those defined as controlled substances. Leave pharmaceuticals in their original containers, but remove or cross out any personal information. Look for the clearly marked white collection containers.
San Mateo County Sheriff's Office
400 County Center, Redwood City
Daly City Police Department
333 90th Street, Daly City
Pacifica Police Department
2075 Coast Highway, Pacifica
San Bruno Police Department
1177 Huntington Ave, San Bruno
