Safe Medicine Disposal Program

Pharmaceutical Disposal


The City of Healdsburg has partnered with the SafeMed Program to provide a secure and safe location for pharmaceutical disposal. The Safe Medicine Disposal Program is partnering with local agencies, pharmacies and law enforcement offices to provide safe medicine disposal locations throughout Sonoma and Mendocino counties. Disposing of medicine through the program is easy, free of charge, and open to the public.

What To Do


  • Gather your unwanted medications and other approved items.
  • Place pills in a clear sealable bag and bring to one of the disposal sites below.
  • Liquid medications or ointments, lotions and creams must remain in original container then placed inside a clear sealable bag.
  • Give the medications to the onsite staff for disposal.

Disposal Locations 


  • Healdsburg District Hospital - Emergency Room Lobby
    • 1375 University Ave.
    • 707-431-6500
  • Healdsburg Police Department
    • 238 Center Street
    • 707-431-3377
    • 7 Days a week 24 Hours a day

Items Accepted

  • Inhalers (empty)
  • Liquid medications, including ointments, lotions and creams (in sealed containers please!)
  • Medical patches
  • Medical samples
  • Prescription and over-the-counter -pills and capsules
  • Veterinary medications
  • Vitamins, supplements, homeopathic remedies

Items Not Accepted

  • Aerosol cans
  • Bloody or infectious waste
  • Controlled Substances
  • Illegal drugs
  • IV bags
  • Medical marijuana
  • Needles/sharps
  • Personal care products (body lotion, shampoo etc.)
  • Thermometers
  • Any other waste or medication not listed under "Items Accepted"

Protect the Environment


Recent studies show that pharmaceuticals in rivers and streams, if present at high enough concentrations, can harm aquatic wildlife. When flushed down the drain, some medications are not completely removed by wastewater treatment plants and are discharged to surface waters. Proper disposal of unused pharmaceuticals can help protect the environment. 

Protect Young Children From Accidental Poisonings


Colorful pills and packaging can be attractive to young children. About 165 young children − or roughly four school bus loads of children − are seen in U.S. emergency rooms each day after getting into medications. Trips to the ER can easily be prevented!

Keep medications out of the wrong hands. Unused and readily accessible medicines have the potential to be misused and abused, especially by teens. Prescription medications are the most commonly abused substance in the U.S. 

More Information

Questions


For questions call the Public Works Department at 707-431-3346 or visit the state website.