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Safe Medicine Disposal Ordinance

General information

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.

Safe Medicine Disposal Program Annual Reports & Surveys

ANNUAL REPORTS

MED-Project 

Inmar Intelligence

2023 Inmar Intelligence Annual Report
2022 Inmar Intelligence Annual Report

Biennial Surveys 

Safe Medicine Disposal Stewardship Plans                                     

Inmar Intelligence

MED-Project

Guidance Documents

Wholesaler Resources

Wholesalers are required to update and resubmit their list of producers annually by January 15. Wholesalers have no other obligations under the Ordinance.

Submit your list of producers by email to lmejia@smcgov.org 

Safe Medicine Disposal Wholesaler Exemption Form

If you are a drug wholesaler, but do not currently sell or distribute any covered drugs in or into the County, complete this form.
Note: If you have filled out the form in the past two years, you do not need to submit another form.

Additional Resources