Don’t Rush to Flush - Unused Medication Bin

Got unused prescription meds around the house? Don’t send those down the drain or trash. Instead, swing by our lobby and toss them in our new collection bin instead!

The City of Mountain View is pleased to announce the installation of a permanent medication disposal bin at the Police/Fire Administration Building at 1000 Villa St. The collection bin will be available for the public to dispose of unwanted medicines free of charge during business hours (7am-7pm daily). Storing unused, unwanted, or expired medicines can lead to accidental poisoning, drug abuse, and even drug trafficking. Unfortunately, when people dispose of their medicines, they often flush them down the toilet or throw them in the trash, not knowing that most wastewater treatment plants and landfills are not designed to safely remove medicine from water. As a result, these drugs end up contaminating our streams, rivers, and waterways. Drug take-back collection programs provide communities with a simple, safe, and effective way to dispose of their leftover medicines.

To dispose of unwanted medication:

• Please consolidate all pill-type medications (whether prescription or over-the-counter) into one container or zip-loc type of bag by pouring the pills into the one container or bag, and recycle the original packaging at home (this helps eliminate the unnecessary incineration of plastics and paper that can be recycled and helps protect your identity).
• Pills that are in ‘blister-type’ packaging do NOT have to be individually removed- just bring the whole packet of them.
• All liquids/ointments should remain in their original packaging.

What can I put in Don’t Rush to Flush bins?

• Prescription medications (only certain locations accept Controlled Substance prescriptions. Please visit the bin locations map for additional locations).
• Over-the-counter medications
• Medicated ointments and lotions (leave in original containers!)
• Pet medications

What cannot go in Don’t Rush to Flush bins?

• Controlled prescriptions**
• Dietary Supplements, Vitamins
• Business waste (e.g. Clinics, Doctor’s & Dentist’s offices, Veterinarians)

More information at: Don’t Rush To Flush website.

Please contact Carrie Sandahl at 650-903-6224 or carrie.sandahl@mountainview.gov for any questions regarding the medication take-back bin.

**Controlled prescriptions cannot currently be disposed through the Don’t Rush to Flush program. Check this complete list to see if your medications are controlled substances.