Placer County Hosts Medication Take-Back Event, Offers Year-Round Disposal Options

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Placer County is hosting a free medication take-back event on April 25, but residents can also use permanent drop box locations and mail-in disposal services year-round to safely get rid of unused or expired medications. Keeping medications at home can increase the risk of accidental poisoning or misuse, while improper disposal can harm the environment.

Why it matters

Providing convenient and environmentally-friendly medication disposal options is important for public health and safety, as well as protecting the local environment. Improper medication storage and disposal can lead to serious issues like accidental overdoses, drug misuse, and water contamination.

The details

Placer County is hosting a free medication take-back event on April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at collection sites throughout the county. Residents can bring medications in their original containers and cross out or remove any personal information. In addition to the take-back event, the county offers dozens of free permanent drop box locations, many at local pharmacies, that residents can use year-round. Free mail-back disposal services are also available for both medications and sharps/lancets.

• The next free medication take-back event in Placer County is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Permanent medication drop box locations are available year-round across Placer County.

What’s next

Residents can find a nearby permanent medication drop box location using the searchable database on the Placer County website. To request a free mail-back disposal package, they can complete the online form or call the toll-free number.