The California Board of Pharmacy has launched an online drug take-back tool to help consumers looking for a place to safely dispose of unwanted or expired prescription drugs.

The searchable online database includes pharmacies statewide offering drug take-back services authorized by the California State Board of Pharmacy. The drug take-back search tool is available at pharmacy.ca.gov. Users can enter a pharmacy name, city or zip code to easily find a nearby location for disposing of unused medications.

Pharmacies operating take-back programs registered with the Board of Pharmacy may offer two types of services: onsite collection bins and/or envelopes for mailing back medications. Consumers may dispose of prescription drugs – including controlled substances – as well as over-the-counter medications in collection bins and mail-back envelopes. Auto-injectors such as EpiPens and other sharps and needles are not accepted. (The California Department of Public Health has a list of sites that accept home-generated sharps.)

Additional drug take-back locations can be found on the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, Don’t Rush to Flush and the California Department of Public Health websites.