UHS Pharmacy prescription disposal bin open to the community

December 5, 2017

No drugs down the drain! 

The Tang Center is one of ten prescription drop-off stations through East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) accepting unwanted/expired residential pharmaceuticals, through a partnership with EH&S. See Tang Center hours. 

Prescription medicines disposed of down the drain are showing up in streams and rivers throughout the nation and the San Francisco Bay.

Government studies have found that 80% of streams in the U.S. have measurable concentrations of prescription drugs including steroids and hormones and traditional wastewater treatment plants can’t remove these compounds.

Disposing of your medicines in the trash could accidentally poison pets, seniors, or be taken by criminals.

EBMUD Pharmaceutical Take-Back Program FAQ’s

What is the Pharmaceutical Take-Back Program?

The Pharmaceutical Take-Back program has been in existence since 2009, and is operated and managed by the Environmental Services Division of EBMUD. We collect unwanted and/or expired medication from residential customers in our wastewater service area. Since the program started, we’ve collected over 24,000 pounds of unwanted/expired residential medication.

Why shouldn’t I flush my meds?

Government studies have found that 80% of streams in the U.S. have measurable concentrations of prescription drugs including steroids and hormones and traditional wastewater treatment plants can’t remove these compounds.

What types of medicine do you accept?

  • All prescription medications
  • Over-the-counter medicines
  • Controlled substances
  • Medication samples
  • Medication for pets
  • Medicated ointments/lotions
  • Inhalers
  • Liquid Medications (up to one pint) in leakproof containers
  • Vitamins

Is there anything that I can’t put in the bin?

We do NOT accept:

  • Needles (sharps)
  • Thermometers
  • IV bags
  • Bloody or infectious waste
  • Medication from businesses or clinics
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Aerosol cans

What are some other locations I can take my unwanted/expired medication?

UC Berkeley Tang Center (Pharmacy), 2222 Bancroft Way, Berkeley accepts the above list of medications.

For other locations in the Bay Area and their list of accepted medications, check EMBUD's website.

Pharmacy Disposal Bin photo