FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2026
New Medication Drop Box Installed in Chowchilla
MED-Project’s new drop box location reflects our commitment to provide accessible services to rural California residents
CHOWCHILLA, CA – MED-Project is pleased to highlight a new unwanted medication drop box that was recently installed at Alpha Care Pharmacy in Chowchilla, California. Secure and convenient medication disposal sites are an important aspect of community safety. MED-Project is committed to supporting rural communities with easy-to-use solutions for removing unwanted or expired medications from the home.
MED-Project’s drop boxes are located at select pharmacies and law enforcement agencies throughout the state, including locations far from large cities. In addition to unwanted medication drop boxes, MED-Project offers free mail-back services offering secure, pre-paid medication disposal packages directly to residents who request one.
“These services offer residents easy, reliable ways to dispose of unused household medications,” said Dr. Victoria Travis, National Program Director at MED-Project. “Our mail-back program and drop box locations make safe medication disposal simple, convenient, and completely free for residents.”
For more information about MED-Project and its programs, including accepted medication types, visit med-project.org or call (844) MED-PROJECT.
Media Contact:
Ellen Rager, MED-Project, (833) MED-PROJECT / (833) 633-7765, erager@med-project.org
About MED-Project USA
MED-Project USA is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that develops, implements, and operates safe, effective, and compliant programs for the disposal of household medicine and sharps in adherence with state and local legislation. MED-Project works with national and local chain pharmacies, independent pharmacies, law enforcement agencies, and community-based organizations to educate residents and those who care for them on the proper usage, secure storage, and safe disposal of household medicine and sharps. To learn more, visit www.med-projectusa.org or call (833) MED-PROJECT.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 18, 2025
MED-Project Announces Full Approval of 2024 Annual Reports by CalRecycle
CalRecycle’s program helps California residents dispose of unwanted medications and sharps safely and conveniently.
Sacramento, CA – The Medication Education & Disposal Project USA (MED-Project) announces that the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) has fully approved its 2024 Revised Annual Reports for theCovered Drugs and Home-Generated Sharps programs. CalRecycle previously granted full approval of MED-Project’s 2026 budgets for both programs in July 2025.
These approvals represent another significant milestone in MED-Project’s continued compliance with the requirements of its statewide Covered Drugs and Home-Generated Sharps stewardship plans. MED-Project is the only approved program operator to consistently receive approval of its annual reports since CalRecycle implemented the program in 2021.
“Securing these approvals is a strong reflection of our unwavering commitment to quality operations. It also highlights the strength of our compliance framework, which uniquely meets California’s rigorous compliance standards,” shared Dr. Victoria Travis, National Program Director for MED-Project. “We continue to work with CalRecycle to focus on safe and secure disposal by providing convenient take-back options statewide for unwanted medication and home-generated sharps.”
Serving California Residents
Following initial approval in December 2021, MED-Project’s take-back programs for household medications and sharps have been active across California, offering residents compliant, accessible options for safe disposal.
MED-Project maintains a robust network of secure drop box locations at pharmacies, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies participating in the program. Residents can also request a free mail-back package for unwanted medication or sharps through a toll-free phone number or the program’s accessible, multilingual website.
To find a secure drop box or request a free mail-back package, California residents can visit www.med-project.org or contact the call center at (844) MED-PROJECT.
Media Contact:
Ellen Rager, MED-Project, (833) MED-PROJECT / (833) 633-7765, erager@med-project.org
About MED-Project USA
MED-Project USA is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that develops, implements, and operates safe, effective, and compliant programs for the disposal of household medicine and sharps in adherence with state and local legislation. MED-Project works with national and local chain pharmacies, independent pharmacies, law enforcement agencies, and community-based organizations to educate residents and those who care for them on the proper usage, secure storage, and safe disposal of household medicine and sharps. To learn more, visit www.med-projectusa.org or call (833) MED-PROJECT.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 18, 2025
New Drop Boxes Provide Northern California Residents Closer Access to Safe Medication Disposal
Sacramento, CA – MED-Project is pleased to announce the installation of 15 new unwanted medication drop boxes across Northern California, providing rural residents a safe, convenient, and confidential way to dispose of household medication they no longer need. These drop boxes provide a local, year-round, and secure way for households to dispose of unwanted medication, helping reduce the risk of misuse and keeping communities safe.
MED-Project’s commitment to a network of medication disposal options across rural communities is designed to support convenient access to comprehensive healthcare services, including readily accessible in-person unwanted medication disposal services.
Access to healthcare services in California varies across communities, including rural areas served by local providers. MED-Project’s safe medication disposal services support these communities by offering secure drop boxes at select pharmacies and law enforcement agencies. Residents throughout the state can also request free mail-back packages to dispose of unwanted medication, injectors, and inhalers.
“These new drop boxes help keep our communities safe by giving residents a simple and secure way to dispose of household medications they no longer need,” said Dr. Victoria Travis, National Program Director for MED-Project. “By adding new drop boxes, we’re making safe disposal both easy and local, and providing solutions that truly serve communities.”
Newly installed drop boxes in Northern California can be found at:
Calaveras County
Colusa County
Del Norte County
Glenn County
Lake County
Mendocino County
Modoc County
Nevada County
Siskiyou County
These additional drop boxes add to MED-Project’s already robust network of convenient unwanted medication drop boxes throughout the state. To find a secure drop box or to request a free mail-back package, California residents can visit www.med-project.org or contact the call center at (844) MED-PROJECT.
About MED-Project USA
MED-Project USA is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that develops, implements, and operates safe, effective, and compliant programs for the disposal of household medicine and sharps in adherence with state and local legislation. MED-Project works with national and local chain pharmacies, independent pharmacies, law enforcement agencies, and communitybased organizations to educate residents and those who care for them on the proper usage, secure storage, and safe disposal of household medicine and sharps. To learn more, visit www.med-projectusa.org or call (833) MED-PROJECT.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 18, 2025
New Drop Boxes Provide Kern County Residents Closer Access to Safe Medication Disposal
Sacramento, CA – MED-Project is pleased to announce the installation of four new unwanted medication drop boxes in Kern County, providing rural residents a safe, convenient, and confidential way to dispose of household medication they no longer need. These drop boxes provide a local, year-round, and secure way for households to dispose of unwanted medication, helping reduce the risk of misuse and keeping communities safe.
MED-Project’s commitment to a network of medication disposal options across rural communities is designed to support convenient access to comprehensive healthcare services, including readily accessible, in-person unwanted medication disposal services.
Access to healthcare services in California varies across communities, including rural areas served by local providers. MED-Project’s safe medication disposal services support these communities by offering secure drop boxes at select pharmacies and law enforcement agencies. Residents throughout the state can also request free mail-back packages to dispose of unwanted medication, injectors, and inhalers.
“These new drop boxes help keep our communities safe by giving residents a simple and secure way to dispose of household medications they no longer need,” said Dr. Victoria Travis, National Program Director for MED-Project. “By adding new drop boxes, we’re making safe disposal both easy and local, and providing solutions that truly serve communities.”
Newly installed drop boxes in Kern County can be found at:
These additional drop boxes add to MED-Project’s already robust network of convenient unwanted medication drop boxes throughout the state. To find a secure drop box or to request a free mail-back package, California residents can visit www.med-project.org or contact the call center at (844) MED-PROJECT.
Media Contact:
Ellen Rager, MED-Project, (833) MED-PROJECT / (833) 633-7765, erager@med-project.org
About MED-Project USA
MED-Project USA is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that develops, implements, and operates safe, effective, and compliant programs for the disposal of household medicine and sharps in adherence with state and local legislation. MED-Project works with national and local chain pharmacies, independent pharmacies, law enforcement agencies, and community-based organizations to educate residents and those who care for them on the proper usage, secure storage, and safe disposal of household medicine and sharps. To learn more, visit www.med-projectusa.org or call (833) MED-PROJECT.
ANNOUNCEMENT
November 19, 2025
MED-Project Highlights Free, Convenient Medication Disposal Options in Recognition of National Rural Health Day
In recognition of National Rural Health Day on November 20, 2025, MED-Project is highlighting the importance of safe medication disposal and the availability of free, convenient options for all residents, including those living in rural areas. National Rural Health Day celebrates the strength and unique contributions of rural communities, and MED-Project is committed to supporting these communities with easy-to-use, safe solutions for removing unwanted medication from the home.
So far in 2025, MED-Project has installed 22 new, secure drop boxes in rural areas throughout California, including locations in Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, Glenn, Imperial, Lake, Madera, Mariposa, Mendocino, Modoc, Monterey, Nevada, San Joaquin, Shasta, Siskiyou, Stanislaus, Sutter, and Yuba counties. These drop boxes help provide residents, particularly those living far from population centers, with convenient ways to safely remove unwanted and expired medication from their homes. These new sites are in addition to MED-Project’s broader statewide network of secure drop boxes available across both rural and urban areas.
In addition to the new drop boxes in rural areas, MED-Project offers free, secure medication disposal options designed to support all residents. These include secure drop boxes located at select pharmacies and law enforcement agencies, as well as a mail-back program that delivers pre-paid medication disposal packages directly to residents. Residents can request a free medication mail-back package by visiting med-project.org or calling (844) MED-PROJECT (TTY: 711). After receiving the package, they simply place unwanted or expired medications inside and return it through the mail for disposal.
For those who prefer an in-person option, MED-Project maintains a network of drop boxes where residents can securely drop off unwanted medications.
“Residents have easy, reliable ways to dispose of unused household medications,” said Dr. Victoria Travis, National Program Director at MED-Project. “Our mail-back program and drop box locations make safe medication return simple, convenient, and completely free for residents.”
Many people are still learning about these free services. MED-Project hopes that National Rural Health Day will help increase awareness and encourage more households to use safe medication return options. Safe medication disposal helps reduce the risk of misuse and accidental ingestion. By offering accessible, free solutions, MED-Project supports public health efforts that benefit communities across the state.
For more information about MED-Project’s disposal programs, including types of accepted medication, visit med-project.org or call 1 (844) MED-PROJECT (TTY: 711).
Media Contact
Ellen Rager, MED-Project, (833) MED-PROJECT / (833) 633-7765, erager@med-project.org
About MED-Project
MED-Project develops, implements, and operates safe, effective, and compliant programs for the disposal of household medication in adherence with state and local legislation. MED-Project works with national and local chain pharmacies, independent pharmacies, law enforcement agencies, and community-based organizations to educate residents and those who care for them on the proper use, secure storage, and safe disposal of household medicine. To learn more about convenient disposal options, call (833) MED-PROJECT / (833) 633-7765 (TTY: 711) or visit med-project.org.
ANNOUNCEMENT
August 14, 2025
MED-Project’s 2026 Budgets Receive Full Approval and 2024 Annual Reports Receive Conditional Approval by CalRecycle
CalRecycle’s program helps California residents dispose of unwanted medications and sharps safely and conveniently.
Sacramento, CA – The Medication Education & Disposal Project USA (MED-Project) is pleased to share that its 2024 Revised Annual Reports for Covered Drugs and Home-Generated Sharps programs have been conditionally approved by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle). MED-Project’s 2026 Budgets for both programs were fully approved. CalRecycle’s approvals represent a significant milestone in MED-Project’s continued compliance with the requirements of its statewide Covered Drugs and Home-Generated Sharps stewardship plans. MED-Project is the only approved program operator to consistently receive approval of its annual reports since CalRecycle implemented the program.
“These approvals underscore the strength of our operations and financial accuracy along with our commitment to meeting California’s rigorous compliance standards as we deliver safe and convenient disposal options statewide for unwanted medication and home-generated sharps,” shared Dr. Victoria Travis, National Program Director for MED-Project.
Following initial approval in December 2021, MED-Project’s take-back programs for household medications and sharps have been active across California, offering residents compliant, accessible options for safe disposal.
For convenience in disposing of unwanted medication, MED-Project maintains a robust network of secure drop box locations at pharmacies, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies participating in the program. Residents can also request a free mail-back package for unwanted medication or sharps through a toll-free phone number or an accessible multilingual website.
To find a secure drop box or request a free mail-back package, California residents can visit www.med-project.org or contact the call center at (844) MED-PROJECT.
Media Contact:
Ellen Rager, MED-Project, (833) MED-PROJECT / (833) 633-7765, erager@med-project.org
About MED-Project USA
MED-Project USA is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that develops, implements, and operates safe, effective, and compliant programs for the disposal of household medicine and sharps in adherence with state and local legislation. MED-Project works with national and local chain pharmacies, independent pharmacies, law enforcement agencies, and community-based organizations to educate residents and those who care for them on the proper usage, secure storage, and safe disposal of household medicine and sharps. To learn more, visit www.med-projectusa.org or call (833) MED-PROJECT.
ANNOUNCEMENT
July 23, 2024
MED-PROJECT ANNOUNCES CALRECYCLE FULL APPROVAL OF COVERED DRUGS AND SHARPS TAKE-BACK ANNUAL REPORTS
CalRecycle’s program helps California residents dispose of unwanted medications and sharps safely and conveniently.
Sacramento, July 23, 2024 – The Medication Education & Disposal Project USA (MED-Project) announces that its 2023 Annual Reports for Covered Drugs and Home-Generated Sharps have been fully approved by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle). These approvals underscore MED-Project’s successful and compliant implementation of both the Covered Drugs and Home-Generated Sharps Programs during their second year of operations. MED-Project is notably the only approved program operator, on behalf of its participating companies, to have received full approval of its Annual Reports from CalRecycle since the beginning of CalRecycle’s program.
Launched in December 2021, MED-Project’s household medication and sharps take-back programs have been operational since receiving initial approval from CalRecycle. These programs provide safe and convenient disposal options for household medications and sharps to California residents.
To enhance accessibility, MED-Project provides over 1,000 secure medication drop boxes at pharmacies, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies that participate in the program. Additionally, MED-Project offers a free, statewide mail-back program through easy-to-use toll-free telephone and online ordering systems.
“MED-Project remains committed to providing dependable programs that are easy to access for the community and deliver quality compliance,” said Dr. Victoria Travis, National Program Director for MED-Project. “We encourage Californians to ask about these free services at their local pharmacies and with health care providers.”
Californians looking for a convenient medication drop box location or requesting a mail-back package for sharps or medications can visit med-project.org or call (844) MED-PROJECT / (844) 633-7765.
Media Contacts:
Megan Bosse, Civilian, (410) 596-7965, megan@civilian.com
Ellen Rager, MED-Project, (833) MED-PROJECT / (833) 633-7765, erager@med-project.org
About MED-Project USA
MED-Project USA is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that develops, implements, and operates safe, effective, and compliant programs for the disposal of household medicine and sharps in adherence with state and local legislation. MED-Project works with national and local chain pharmacies, independent pharmacies, law enforcement agencies, and community-based organizations to educate residents and those who care for them on the proper use, secure storage, and disposal of household medicine and sharps. To learn more, call (833) MED-PROJECT / (833) 633-7765 (TTY: 711) or visit med-projectusa.org.
ANNOUNCEMENT
December 20, 2023
MED-PROJECT ANNOUNCES CALRECYCLE APPROVAL OF COVERED DRUGS AND SHARPS TAKE-BACK ANNUAL REPORTS
CalRecycle’s program helps California residents dispose of unwanted medications and sharps safely and conveniently.
Sacramento, December 20, 2023 – Medication Education & Disposal Project USA (MED- Project) announces that its 2022 Revised Annual Reports for Covered Drugs and Home-Generated Sharps have been approved by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), the state’s oversight agency for recycling and waste management programs. These approvals indicate MED-Project’s compliant implementation of both the Covered Drugs and Home-Generated Sharps Plans within its first full year of operations. MED- Project launched these programs in December 2021, following approval of the plans by CalRecycle.
“MED-Project’s focus continues to be delivering reliable programs that provide value to the community, while maintaining quality compliance,” said Dr. Victoria Travis, National Program Director for MED-Project. “We encourage Californians to ask their local pharmacies and health care providers about accessing these free services.”
MED-Project is an experienced leader in the implementation and operation of household medication and sharps take-back programs. MED-Project has worked diligently with CalRecycle to make medication and sharps disposal services accessible to California residents. As part of the approved programs, MED-Project has installed more than 1,000 secure medication drop boxes at pharmacies, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies throughout the state. In addition, MED-Project offers a free statewide program that allows households to safely dispose of sharps by providing sharps mail-back packages to residents, which can be ordered through convenient phone and online ordering systems.
Californians looking for a convenient medication drop box location or requesting a mail-back package for sharps or medications can visit www.med-project.org or call (844) MED-PROJECT / (844) 633-7765.
Retailers that provide sharps to consumers can participate in this free program by visiting www.med-project.org/sharpsca to complete the process to use MED-Project’s online ordering system. Locations interested in hosting a drop box can email MED-Project at california@med-project.org, or contact the 24/7 toll-free help desk at (833) MED-PROJECT / (833) 633-7765.
Media Contacts:
Jen Hansen, Civilian, (925) 963-5292, jhansen@civilian.com
Ellen Rager, MED-Project, (833) MED-PROJECT / (833) 633-7765, erager@med-project.org
About MED-Project USA
MED-Project USA is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that develops, implements, and operates safe, effective, and compliant programs for the disposal of household medicine and sharps in adherence with state and local legislation. MED-Project works with national and local chain pharmacies, independent pharmacies, law enforcement agencies, and community-based organizations to educate residents and those who care for them on the proper use, secure storage, and disposal of household medicine and sharps. To learn more, call (833) MED- PROJECT / (833) 633-7765 (TTY: 711) or visit med-projectusa.org.
ANNOUNCEMENT
December 8, 2022
MED-PROJECT LAUNCHES NEW PROGRAM TO PROVIDE SAFE, FREE, AND CONVENIENT MEDICATION DISPOSAL FOR CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS
Nearly 1,400 medication drop boxes installed across the state at locations including CVS and Rite Aid to serve residents who take medication to treat medical conditions
Sacramento, December 8, 2022 – California residents who rely on medication to treat medical conditions now have access to a free statewide program to dispose of medication safely and conveniently. This program, implemented and managed by the Medication Education & Disposal Project (MED-Project), follows the passage of the 2018 California Senate Bill 212. MED-Project is the only operator approved to operate both medication and sharps take-back programs under California SB 212 since December 2021.
This program is accessible to all California residents. Nearly 1,400 secure medication drop boxes are installed at pharmacies, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies throughout the state, ensuring that more than 90% of Californians live within 15 miles of a drop box. Californians can also order free mail-back packages at www.med-project.org.
“This newly launched medication take-back program provides convenience for consumers and value to the community,” said Dr. Victoria Travis, National Program Director for MED-Project. “With nearly 1,400 medication drop boxes statewide, as well as the option to request a mail-back package from the convenience of your home, we’re making it easy for Californians to dispose of their household medication, while preventing misuse by others.”
Californians looking for a convenient medication drop box location or requesting a mail-back package can visit www.med-project.org or contact the call center 24/7 at (844) MED-PROJECT.
MED-Project’s medication disposal program began operations under the authority of the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) on December 9, 2021. The program is funded by pharmaceutical manufacturers.
MED-Project was established in 2014 by the Pharmaceutical Product Stewardship Work Group (PPSWG) to implement and operate community-based pharmaceutical product stewardship programs. PPSWG funds all program operations on behalf of its pharmaceutical producer members. For more information about MED-Project’s programs and services, please visit www.med-project.org or call (844) MED-PROJECT / (844) 633-7765 (TTY: 711).
Media Contacts:
Jen Hansen, Civilian, (925) 963-5292, jhansen@civilian.com
Maureen Smith, MED-Project, (833) 633-7765, outreach@med-project.org
About MED-Project USA
MED-Project USA is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that develops, implements, and operates safe, effective, and compliant programs for the disposal of household medicine and sharps in adherence with state and local legislation. MED-Project works with national and local chain pharmacies, independent pharmacies, law enforcement agencies, and community-based organizations to educate residents and those who care for them on the proper usage, secure storage, and safe disposal of household medicine and sharps. To learn more, visit www.med-projectusa.org or call (833) MED-PROJECT.
ANNOUNCEMENT
September 28, 2022
MED-PROJECT RECEIVES APPROVAL FROM CALRECYCLE OF FIRST ANNUAL REPORT SUBMISSION
The Medication Education & Disposal Project (MED-Project USA), a non-profit organization that provides statewide medication and sharps take-back programs, received approval of its first annual report on August 16, 2022.
MED-Project’s program for medicine disposal began operations under the authority of the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) on December 9, 2021. As noted in the annual report, by the end of 2021, 291 sites joined the MED-Project program with the installation of secure medicine collection bins, primarily at local pharmacies. To date, MED-Project has placed secure medicine collection bins at over 900 sites throughout the state, achieving its stated goal of ensuring 90% of California residents are within a 15-mile drive of a collection site.
This free statewide program helps California residents dispose of medication safely and conveniently. MED-Project’s outreach to consumers is ongoing and focused on the appropriate use, safe storage, and secure disposal of medication.
Media Contacts:
Kim Coutts, (619) 677-5885, kim@civilian.com
Maureen Smith, (833) MED-PROJECT or (833) 633-7765, maureen@med-project.org
About MED-Project USA
MED-Project USA is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that develops, implements and operates safe, effective and compliant programs for the disposal of household medicine and sharps in adherence with state and local legislation. MED-Project works with national and local chain pharmacies, local pharmacies, law enforcement agencies, and community-based organizations to educate residents and those who care for them on the proper use, storage, and disposal of household medicine and sharps. To learn more, visit med-projectusa.org
