Safe disposal for old, unwanted meds

Residents can drop off unwanted medicine between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, at Vintage House senior center, 264 First St. E. in Sonoma. There is no charge for the service.

By properly disposing of medication, the community can keep the environment and waterways clean, and reduce safety and health risks associated with children or adults taking non-prescribed medications. The Safe Medicine Disposal Program offers the community a way to properly and safely dispose of unwanted medication.

How to participate:

• Arrive at drop off location and remove unwanted medication from containers
• Put all pills together in a zip lock bag (available at the drop off site), liquids and creams must remain in sealed containers.
• Remove labels or mark out personal information.
• Deposit the empty containers in the provided disposal bin or recycle empty medication containers in your home curbside blue recycling cart.

Items accepted at the drop off locations include, prescription and over-the-counter-pills and capsules; liquid medications, including ointments, lotions and creams (in sealed containers); veterinary medications; vitamins, supplements, homeopathic remedies; medical patches; inhalers (empty); medical samples

Items not accepted include controlled substances; IV bags; bloody or infectious waste; personal care products (body lotion, shampoo etc.); aerosol cans; thermometers; illegal drugs; medical marijuana; and any other waste or medication not listed under “items accepted”

Residents can also visit a participating year round drop-off location.