Controlled Substances

Handling Instructions

Please don't flush old medications down the drain. Wastewater treatment facilities are not able to remove many of the chemicals that make up pharmaceutical products. If released into water bodies, these pharmaceutical byproducts can adversely impact wildlife and the environment.

What is a Controlled Substance?

Controlled substances are regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and include addictive and habit-forming medications like pain killers and anti-depressants. Because of this, controlled substances have special handling instructions and disposal concerns.

Use locations listed in the "Where to go" section below to properly dispose of these substances, as current laws and regulations prevent hazardous waste centers from accepting controlled substances without strict oversight from law enforcement.

Where Can I Find Out More?

Find a list of controlled substances on the DEA's website.

Where to go

• Carpinteria Area (1)

  • Sheriffs Department, Carpinteria Substation — 5775 Carpinteria Avenue

• Santa Barbara Area (1)

  • Sheriffs Department, Santa Barbara Substation — 4434 Calle Real

• Goleta & UCSB Area (2)

  • Sheriffs Department, Isla Vista Substation — 6504 Trigo Road
  • Sheriffs Department, Goleta Substation — 7042 Marketplace Drive

• Santa Ynez Valley (2)

  • Sheriffs Department, Buellton Substation — 140 West Highway 246
  • Sheriffs Department, Solvang Substation — 1745 Mission Drive

• Lompoc Valley & VAFB (1)

  • Sheriffs Department, Lompoc Substation — 3500 Harris Grade Road

• Santa Maria Valley (1)

  • Sheriffs Department, Santa Maria Substation — 812-A West Foster Road

• Cuyama Valley (1)

  • Sheriffs Department, New Cuyama Substation — 215 Newsome Street