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Disposal of Unused or Expired Medications
Proper disposal of old, unused, or expired medications helps protect our community, prevents drug abuse, and keeps hazardous substances out of our water supply.
Medication Disposal Options
You can dispose of medications safely through:
- California Drug Take-Back Program: Visit the El Dorado County Waste Disposal webpage for approved medical waste bin locations located in Placerville and Cameron Park.
- Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Facilities: Visit the HHW webpage for more information.
- El Dorado Irrigation District Drop-off Locations: Find additional disposal sites on El Dorado Irrigation District's website.
Federal Guidelines for Safe Medication Disposal
To minimize environmental risks and prevent medication misuse, the federal government recommends the following steps:
Remove medications from original containers
- Prescription bottles are easily recognizable and may be stolen if disposed of improperly.
- Black out or remove personal information before discarding containers.
Mix with undesirable substances
- Crush pills and mix them with wet coffee grounds, cat litter, or another unappealing material.
- Place the mixture in a sealed bag or container and throw it in the trash.
- This step reduces the risk of accidental ingestion by children or pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet
- Unless specifically directed on the medication label or pamphlet, do not flush old prescriptions.
By following these simple guidelines, you can help keep our community safe and protect the environment. Thank you for responsibly disposing of your medications!