Hazardous Waste Disposal Santa Clara County

Although this was a practice used in the past, new studies show that prescription and over-the-counter drugs are not completely removed when passing through wastewater treatment plants. Harm to marine and plant life can be caused by improper 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 many locations where they can safely dispose of medications, as well as controlled substances, with no questions asked. Drop boxes, similar to standard U.S. Mail boxes, are located at three Sheriff's Office locations and at the following county pharmacies.

Sheriff's Office Locations

Sheriff's Office Headquarters, 55 West Younger Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110
Hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week

West Valley Patrol Sub-station, 1601 South De Anza Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

South County Sub-station, 80 West Highland, Bldg K, San Martin, CA 95046
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

Pharmacy Locations

Bascom Pharmacy, 750 S. Bascom Avenue, Suite #120, San Jose 95128
Located in front lobby near security desk.
Monday - Friday 8:00 am–5:00 pm

Valley Specialty Center Outpatient Pharmacy, 751 S. Bascom Avenue, San Jose 95128
Located in Valley Specialty building, near pharmacy.
Monday – Sunday 9:00 am–10:00 pm

Central Mental Health Enborg Lane Pharmacy, 2221 Enborg Lane, San Jose 95128
Located on right-hand side of Central Mental Health Bldg, across from receptionist.
Monday - Friday 8:00 am–5:00 pm

Moorpark Pharmacy, 2400 Moorpark Avenue, San Jose 95128
Located near pharmacy.
Open daily 9:00 am-9:00 pm

East Valley Pharmacy, 1993 McKee Road, San Jose 95116
Located near pharmacy pick-up window.
Monday - Friday 8:30 am-9:30 pm; Saturday - Sunday 8:30 am -5:00 pm

Sunnyvale Pharmacy, 660 S. Fair Oaks, Sunnyvale 94085
Located in main lobby, across from security desk.
Monday - Thursday 9:30am-9pm; Friday 8:30am-5pm; Saturday 9:00-1:00pm

Lenzen Pharmacy, 976 Lenzen Avenue, San Jose 95126
Located near pharmacy.
Monday 8:00am-9:00pm; Tuesday - Friday 8:00am-5:30pm

Gilroy Pharmacy, 7475 Camino Arroyo, Gilroy 95020
Located in front lobby near security desk.
Monday - Friday 8:00am-5:00pm

Milpitas Pharmacy, 143 North Main Street, Milpitas 95035
Located in main lobby near the restrooms.
Monday - Friday 8:00am-5:00pm

Tully Pharmacy, 500 Tully Rd, San Jose 95111
Located in main lobby, near security guard desk.
Monday - Friday 8:30am -9:00pm; Saturday 8:30am-5:00pm

City of Santa Clara Police Department, 601 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 95050
Open daily 7:00 am-6:00 pm

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.

1. An 8"x11" padded envelope is used to mail back unused or unwanted medications.

2. 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.

3. 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:

• Adderall
• Ambien
• Hydrocodone
• Morphine
• Oxycodone
• Oxycontin
• Percocet
• Phentermine
• Ritalin
• Valium
• Vicodin
• Xanax

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 .

Additional Helpful Links

• Business Medical Waste: If you are a business that generates medical waste please contact the Santa Clara County Medical Waste Program at (408) 918-3400.