Free and Safe Disposal of Unwanted Medicines at Fresno's first official Green Pharmacy Take-Back Location at a Dental Office
Did you know?
Over 80% of waterways tested by U.S. Geological Survey show traces of common medications, such as acetaminophen, hormones, blood pressure medicine, codeine, and antibiotics.
What can you do?
- Do NOT flush medication down the toilet or drain
- Safely dispose of unused or unwanted medications at take-back sites
- Purchase drugs in small amounts, limiting expired medications
- Ask for starter packs when trying a new medication
- Consider medical treatments with low environmental impact
- Encourage your health provider to take back your leftover or expired prescriptions
- Commit to health and wellness strategies to reduce your reliance on medications
- Educate your family, friends, colleagues, and community about safe medicine disposal
- Choose meat and poultry raised without hormones and antibiotics
- Donate to the Green Pharmacy Pollution Prevention Campaign www.greenpharmacyprogram.com
How to return Unwanted Medicines
- Collect all unwanted or expired medicines from your home.
- Mark out personal information (keep name of drug and dosage visible>
- Bring them with you to our dental office during open hours and give to staff.
What can we take back?
YES: ITEMS ACCEPTED
- Prescription medications **
- Over-the-counter medications
- Medication samples
- Vitamins and supplements
- Medicated ointments/lotions
- Liquid medication in leak proof containers
- Veterinary medicines
- Homeopathic and Herbal Remedies
NO: ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED
- Controlled prescriptions *
- Needles and Sharps
- Syringes
- IV bags
- Bloody or infectious waste
- Personal care products
- Empty containers
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Aerosol cans
**No controlled prescriptions (e.g. narcotics, vicodin, ritalin, codeine, oxycodone, valium, etc.) and no hazardous substances please!
About the Green Pharmacy Program
The Green Pharmacy Program, developed by the Teleosis Institute, is a partnership with pharmacies, health professionals, and public and private organizations that are committed to providing safe disposal for unwanted medicines. The Teleosis Institute is an educational nonprofit organization devoted to reducing the environmental impact of health care through sustainable medical practices. Teleosis programs promote a health care system that conserves natural resources, promotes personal wellness, and begins with precaution. Please visit www.teleosis.org for more information.