Unwanted, unused or expired prescription drugs have been determined to present substantial risks to our community by either falling into the wrong hands, or by damaging our environment through improper disposal. It is this awareness that has resulted in the Oceanside Police Department and other participating law enforcement agencies to provide a safe alternative method to dispose of unwanted pharmaceuticals.

The Problem

Studies have shown that residential supplies of pharmaceutical controlled substances - those found in our home medicine cabinets - have become the supply of choice for young people and criminals. Many abusers, a high percentage of which are teens, are known to have obtained their controlled substances from the homes of family and friends. In addition, research has shown that our environment has been threatened by medications being flushed down toilets. Many controlled substances are created synthetically, and are not removed through normal water-treatment processes. This can result in the discharge of these substances into the environment and into our ground water supplies.

The Solution

The Oceanside Police Department has two convenient locations for Oceanside residents to dispose of expired and unwanted prescription drugs from individual end users.

• Oceanside Police Department: 3855 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92058

Hours: Mon. – Fri. 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Closed on holidays.

• Evidence and Property Facility: 4927 Oceanside Blvd, Oceanside, CA 92056

Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Closed on holidays.

Accepted: Medications in any dosage form, except for those listed below, in their original container or sealed bag.

Not Accepted: Herbal remedies, vitamins, supplements, cosmetics, other personal care products, empty medical devices, batteries, sharps/syringes/Epi-pens, mercury containing thermometers, and illicit drugs.  Information on sharps and medical disposal for Oceanside residents

In compliance with DEA rules, we do not accept any expired or unwanted drugs from commercial institutions such as Doctor’s Offices, Clinics, Nursing Homes, Care Facilities, etc.