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Safe Medicine Disposal Ordinance

Environmental Health Services

The Safe Medicine Disposal Ordinance went into effect on May 28, 2015. The Ordinance requires medicine producers who manufacture prescription or over-the-counter medicines offered for sale in San Mateo County to implement a medicine disposal program for residents. The County provides oversight to ensure that the Program meets the needs of the community and adheres to the Ordinance.

The extended producer responsibility model is based on the concept that the manufacturer of a product takes responsibility for that product throughout its life, including disposal. Under the Program, medicine manufacturers fully fund a medicine collection program making it easier for the public to choose the safest way to dispose of their unwanted medicines. The goals of the Ordinance are to increase public safety and reduce water pollution.