In California, pharmaceutical waste must follow federal rules from the DEA and EPA, along with state rules from the Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). The rules vary depending on whether the waste comes from a healthcare facility or from a patient at home. PureWay makes compliance easier by offering safe disposal programs and training solutions for both.
Healthcare Facilities in California
Healthcare facilities in California, such as hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, long-term care, and veterinary clinics, must comply with multiple overlapping requirements for pharmaceutical waste disposal. Here is a breakdown of key procedures:
Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals RCRA and California-RCRA
Federal RCRA hazardous waste pharmaceuticals must be managed under the EPA Subpart P (40 CFR 266).
California-designated hazardous wastes called “non-RCRA hazardous waste” are also regulated under Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations.
California uses a broader list of hazardous pharmaceuticals compared to federal standards.
Subpart P – EPA Regulations for Healthcare Facilities
Must comply with Subpart P for managing hazardous waste pharmaceuticals if a Large Quantity Generator or Reverse Distributor.
Sewering (flushing) of hazardous waste pharmaceuticals is prohibited under both federal and state rules.
Maintain a pharmaceutical waste management plan and employee training.
Non-Hazardous Pharmaceutical Waste
Includes over-the-counter (OTC), non-RCRA hazardous, and expired non-controlled meds.
Must be managed as medical waste per California’s Medical Waste Management Act.
Disposal through medical waste haulers or approved mail-back programs.
Controlled Substances DEA Schedule II–V
Must be destroyed per DEA requirements (21 CFR 1317).
Destruction must render substances non-retrievable.
Destruction must be witnessed and documented.
Labeling, Storage, and Transportation
Clearly label containers as "Pharmaceutical Waste – Incineration Only" (for hazardous and non-hazardous Rx).
Store separately from regulated medical waste and sharps.
Use licensed hazardous or medical waste transporters.
Note:
Use a waste profile to determine if a pharmaceutical is federally hazardous, California-only hazardous, or non-hazardous.
Partner with a DEA-registered reverse distributor or use on-site destruction technology that meets DEA’s non-retrievable standard.
PureWay Solutions for Healthcare Facilities in California
PureWay offers tailored solutions to help California healthcare facilities stay compliant with complex pharmaceutical waste regulations. From hazardous waste profiling to DEA-compliant destruction, mail back systems, and staff training, we simplify disposal while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
PureWay provides:
Pharmaceutical waste mail-back systems DEA-compliant, CA-licensed.
Hazardous waste profiling and disposal including CA-only hazardous.
Reverse distribution support.
On-site staff training for Subpart P, DEA compliance, and CA rules.
Access PureWay’s State-by-State Compliance Guide, California Compliance Guide by clicking here.
Patients At-Home Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal
Patients at home face a different set of rules. While they are not considered "generators" under hazardous waste laws, they must still follow safe disposal practices:
Prescription Medications Non-Controlled
Preferred
Use authorized drug take-back programs or DEA-registered collection receptacles.Alternative
Use a pharmaceutical mail-back envelope offered by some pharmacies or PureWay partners.Last resort
Dispose in household trash only after:Mixing meds with an unpalatable substance.
Used coffee grounds
Sealing in a plastic bag
Marking “Do Not Recycle”
Controlled Substances Schedule II–V
Must go to a DEA-authorized collection site.
Pharmacy
Police station
Cannot be mailed back unless using a DEA-compliant mail-back envelope.
Sharps with Residual Pharmaceuticals
Must be disposed of in approved sharps containers.
Sharps must not go into household trash in California.
Disposal options:
Mail-back sharps containers PureWay offers CA-compliant kits.
Local drop-off sites check city/county programs.
PureWay Solutions for Patients at Home
PureWay makes it easy for patients at home to safely dispose of medications and sharps with convenient mail-back options and resources for locating local take-back programs.
Mail-back pharmaceutical disposal envelopes DEA-compliant.
Sharps mail-back containers.
Resources for locating take-back options or ordering mail-back kits online.
Penalties for Noncompliance
Failure to follow California’s pharmaceutical waste regulations can lead to serious consequences for healthcare facilities and providers.
Pharmaceutical waste disposal procedure violations can result in:
Fines from the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) or the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
DEA enforcement actions for improper disposal of controlled substances.
OSHA citations for unsafe workplace practices in healthcare settings.