In September of 2008, the State of California made it illegal to dispose of sharps waste in trash or recycling containers. Proper disposal of sharps waste protects the health and safety of our health care providers and sanitation workers. Sharps waste includes: needles, syringes, and lancets.

Oceanside residents have several options for safe sharps disposal at one of the below facilities during open hours.

For everyone’s safety, sharps must be in a red biohazard container with a sealed top or in a see-through container (like a water bottle or milk jug) with the lid securely taped.

• Drop off at El Corazon Senior Center - 3302 Senior Center Drive, Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Friday from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm. (760) 435-5300
• Drop off at Country Club Senior Center - 455 Country Club Lane, Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm, Friday from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm. (760) 435-5250
• Order a FREE sharps waste container with mail-back materials.  Visit sharpstakebackcalifornia.org or call (844) 4-TAKE-BACK or (844) 482-5322.

Waste Management’s MedWaste Tracker™ also provides a safe needle disposal system for hypodermic needles, lancets, test strips, and other small quantity medical waste. Each system includes a specially designed sharps container and a postage-prepaid shipping container. Please visit medwaste.wm.com for more information or to place an order and for current pricing.

If you have further questions about safe disposal of sharps, feel free to call Waste Management’s Customer Service Line at (760) 439-2824 or email CSSanDiego@wm.com.

Over-The-Counter and Prescription Medication Disposal (Excluding Controlled Substances) 

California Drug Take-Back Program

The California Drug Take-Back Program has a network of nearly 250 bins where residents can safely dispose of unwanted medicines across the state of California for free. Unwanted medicines include: prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, medicated ointments and lotions, and pet medications.

Find a Collection Bin Near You

City of Oceanside Evidence & Property Facility
Year-round disposal is also available at the secure collection drop-boxes located at both the Oceanside Police Department located at 3855 Mission Ave. and the Evidence and Property Facility located at 4927 Oceanside Blvd. PLEASE NOTE: Neither location accepts sharps waste and will only accept prescription medication. 

Household Hazardous Waste Appointment

Oceanside residents can schedule a HHW Drop Off Appointment to dispose of their over-the-counter and prescription medications (excluding controlled substances) at Waste Management’s HHW Facility located at 2880 Industry Street by calling the Waste Management Customer Service Line at (760) 439-2824. Proof of residency is required.