The Safe Medicine Disposal Ordinance went into effect on May 28, 2015. Using an extended producer responsibility model, the Ordinance requires medicine producers who manufacture prescription or over-the-counter medicines offered for sale in San Mateo County to design, develop, and fund a medicine collection and disposal program for unwanted medicine from 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.

What medicines are included in San Mateo County’s Safe Medicine Disposal Ordinance?

San Mateo’s Ordinance includes medicines that meet the definition of a “covered drug.” A “covered drug” means a drug sold in any form and used by County residents and their pets, including prescription, nonprescription, brand name and generic drugs.

Exceptions to this include:

• Vitamins or supplements
• Herbal-based remedies and homeopathic drugs, products, or remedies
• Cosmetics, shampoos, sunscreens, toothpaste, lip balm, antiperspirants, or other personal care products that are regulated as both cosmetics and nonprescription drugs under the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
• Drugs for which producers already provide a take-back program under federal FDA rules
• Medical devices or their component parts or accessories, not including a covered drug

Safe Medicine Disposal Program Annual Reports & Surveys

MED-Project Annual Reports

• 2022 Med-Project Annual Report
• 2021 MED-Project Annual Report
• 2020 MED-Project Annual Report
• 2019 MED-Project Annual Report
• 2018 MED-Project Annual Report
• 2017 MED-Project Annual Report

Med-Project Surveys 

• MED-Project Survey Results (Sept - Nov 2022)

Safe Medicine Disposal Stewardship Plans                                     

Conditionally Approved Plans

• 7/11/2023 Inmar Notice of Determination
• 7/11/2023 Med-Project Notice of Determination
• 1/19/2023 Resubmittal Inmar Drug Stewardship Plan
• 10/21/2022 Notice of Determination
• 9/9/2022 Revised Inmar Drug Stewardship Plan
• 2/10/2021 Revised Inmar Drug Stewardship Plan
• 9/25/2020 Revised Inmar Drug Stewardship Plan
• 2/28/2020 Inmar Drug Stewardship Plan

Approved Plans

• 9/18/2023 Revised MED-Project Product Stewardship Plan
• 4/15/2019 Revised MED-Project Product Stewardship Plan
• 6/15/2018 Revised MED-Project Product Stewardship Plan
• 1/31/2018 Revised MED-Project Product Stewardship Plan
• 9/13/2016 Notice of Determination
• 8/26/2016 Revised MED-Project Product Stewardship Plan
• 5/27/2016 MED-Project Product Stewardship Plan   

 Guidance Documents

• Guidance for the Implementation of a Single System of Promotion and Program Goals
• Response to Comments on the Guidance for the Implementation of a Single System of Promotion and Program Goals

Ordinance Requirements for Retailers                                          

All pharmacies are encouraged to participate as a collection site for unwanted and unused medicines from residents. The Ordinance requires that any retail pharmacy who wishes to volunteer cannot be denied by the MED-Project Program. If you are interested in being a collection location, contact MED-Project at:

Dr. Victoria Travis, PharmD, MBA
National Program Director
MED-Project
sanmateocounty@med-project.org
(844) 6-PROJECT

Additional Information for Interested Retailers

• MED-Project Medication Education & Disposal Fact Sheet
• MED-Project Overview

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 pollutionprevention@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

• Safe Medicine Disposal Ordinance