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California installs 250 medication disposal bins across state

The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and the California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC) have finished installing approximately 250 safe medication disposal bins (med bins) across California, expanding the network of med bins for the public to use for free.

These efforts are part of the California Drug Take-Back Program, which provides med bins for the safe disposal of unwanted, unneeded, or expired medication. The state created this program to combat the opioid crisis and reduce the misuse of medications. It provides publications that explain how to use med bins, offers a comprehensive med bin locator map, and educates the public on the benefits of using med bins.

“Due to the ongoing pandemic, this expansion of the med bin program couldn’t be more timely. Unused medications that are not disposed of properly can cause a myriad of serious public safety concerns,” said CPSC Executive Director Doug Kobold in a release.

DHCS funded the Drug Take-Back Program, which ended March 31st, 2021, with a $3 million grant through the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) supports the MAT program under the State Opioid Response grant.