Frequently Asked Questions​

 

Q: If I receive a med bin through the program, what all does it include?

A:  If you're awarded a free med bin through the program, you'll receive a free med bin (use of this med bin is required by the program), free professional installation (the program requires installation by our staff), free servicing of the med bin (through August 2020), and free technical support for the duration of the program (August of 2020). ​

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Q:  I represent a law enforcement office.  Do the pharmacy regulations apply to me?

A:  The pharmacy regulations do not apply to law enforcement offices.

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Q:  I represent a pharmacy.  Does the bin need to be placed in the pharmacy?

A:  Yes, the bin must be placed in the pharmacy, accessible to the general public, and within view of the pharmacist.

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Q:  What is California MAT Expansion Project and how does it relate to this project?

A:  In an effort to address the opioid epidemic throughout the state, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is implementing the California Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Expansion Project.  The California MAT Expansion Project aims to increase access to MAT, reduce unmet treatment need, and reduce opioid overdose related deaths through the provision of prevention, treatment, and recovery activities. The California MAT Expansion Project focuses on populations with limited MAT access, including rural areas and American Indian & Alaska Native tribal communities. The California MAT Expansion Project is funded by federal grants from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).  The MAT Expansion Project provided funding for the California Drug Take-Back Program.

 

Q:  How many bins are available through this program?

A:  We plan to install about 300 bins over the duration of this program.

 

Q:  Are law enforcement offices allowed to transport the contents of the bins for proper destruction?

A:  No.  This program requires bin hosts to ship via our contracted third party reverse distributor.

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Q:  Do we apply through the Board of Pharmacy or the California Drug Take-Back Program site (this site)?

A:  Apply through this site.  The Board of Pharmacy helped us publicize this program, although they are not affiliated with the program in any way.

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Q:  What is the cost for servicing is we were to pay on our own?

A:  We've been quoted a per service fee of $165.  Your costs may vary.  Most locations get their bin serviced once every month or so, depending on a number of factors (pent up demand, population density, etc.).

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Q:  What are the dimensions of the bin?

A:  See the Frequently Asked Questions reference document for bin design details, including dimensions.

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Q:  When will bins be distributed?

A:  We expect distribution to start in September of 2019 and will be ongoing throughout the duration of the program.

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Q:  What counties are exempt from this program?
A:  The counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz are not allowed med bins as they have existing med bin programs.  We encourage potential bin hosts from all other counties to apply.

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Q:  Can a facility apply for more than one bin?

A:  Yes, as long as a facility has multiple Board of Pharmacy licenses.  Please note that each facility is not guaranteed an award of one or more bins.

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Q:  Until when can I apply?

A:  We're selecting bin hosts on a first come, first serve basis, so we encourage you to apply immediately.  We will continue awarding bins until we deplete program funding for bins.  As of the end of August, we've received applications for approximately 250 bins.

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Q:  How do collectors unpack and assemble liners?

A:  See this video for detailed instructions. 

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Q:  How do collectors pack and ship liners?

A:  See this video for detailed instructions.

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Q:  Does the med bin host have to lock away full and packaged liners? If yes, how does that process work?
A:  Yes.  Each med bin host will receive a four liners:  one single liner, along with a pack of three liners.  Once a liner is inserted into the bin, the med bin becomes functional – don’t forget to unlock the hatch once the liner is installed.  Once the liner is full and subsequently removed (when the med bin ceases to open properly, it is most likely full), simply seal and package the liner (see our videos on this site) and keep the full liner stored in a locked storage room until the common carrier arrives to remove the package.  If you don’t have a locked room to store the package until it is picked up, leave the package in the locked bin and lock the hatch until an empty liner is installed in the med bin.  NOTE:  Be sure to sign up for automatic refilling of liners via the web portal so a new pack of liners will be sent to you automatically once you get down to your last replacement liner.

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Q:  We are having trouble getting possible med bin host in the community, aside from law enforcement office, to apply for a med bin.  How do we increase interest in our community?
A:  Please continue sharing information with the community that we’ve shared with you, reach out to them personally to apply, and have them reach out to CPSC if they have any questions.

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Q:  What kind of substances can be placed into these med bins?
A:  Any schedule II-V controlled and non-controlled substances can be placed in the bins.  Pet medications are also allowed, as are prescription ointments, prescription patches, and over-the-counter medications.  NO medical sharps and needles are to be placed in the bins.  Note that instructions are on the bins and that the instructions state what can and cannot be placed in the bin.  Pharmacies will not be held responsible for any items that are placed in the bins.

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Q:  Are the initial four liners for the bins included at no cost through the program? Are additional liners provided at no cost through the program?
A:  Yes, servicing and replacement liners are covered through the program through August of 2020.

Q:  When applying for the bin, do we also need to contract with a company to pick up the filled liners separately, or is it included in the initial application?
A:  Servicing of the filled liners is covered through the program through August 2020. The program's contracted reverse distributor is Covanta. We let them know where your bin is, and they take care of the rest (once you have been awarded a bin, you have provided to us all of the necessary paperwork, it has been installed, etc.). 

Q:  If CPSC  is not able to secure funding for disposal costs after August 2020, does the program recommend any specific reverse distributors to pick up the collected medications?
A: We recommend Covanta as they are price competitive and provide high quality disposal service.

Q: Is the collection of the liners done through mail-back? Does the reverse distributor visit our location to pick up the used liner?
A: Once you call for a pickup using the program's web portal, a common carrier comes to pick up the package, typically within one business day.

Q: If the program does not receive funding past August 2020, who would pay for servicing on an ongoing basis?
A: If we are unable to secure funding past August 2020, you will be responsible for paying the service fee; Covanta charges $165 per service.

 

Q:  How do I update my DEA license so that I have collector status?

A:  Follow this link to the U.S. Department of Justice website, and complete the online form "Registration for Disposal of Controlled Substances."

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Q: Does the grant cover plastic baggies for disposal of drugs in the med bins?

A: No.  Note that the bins accept both pill bottles or baggies; the bags may be provided by the med bin host or the individual using the med bin.

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Q: How do I schedule a pickup for a filled liner? Are there pick-up or shipping fees associated with scheduling a pick-up?

A: Each liner comes attached with prepaid shipping labels, although we recently learned that UPS charges a pickup fee if your location is not located on a normal route. To schedule a pickup, just do the following: 1) call 800-742-5877 and select “schedule a pickup” 2) enter your facility address and you will get a total cost 3) enter your credit card info, or pay with check or a money order 4) schedule a date and time for the driver to come and pick up the liner.

 

Q: Is there a way to avoid having to pay a pick-up fee?

A: Yes, the liner would have to be picked up by the UPS driver part of their normal delivery route. Talk to your UPS driver and give them a heads up regarding the regular expected shipping pattern (and how to get added to their normal delivery route). To further clarify, this way they can be on the lookout for packages as part of their normal delivery route. Pickups as part of a normal delivery route are free.

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Q: What should I do if my local town/city/county has local registration or reporting requirements?

A:  Please reach out to your local Dept of Health or Dept of Human Services to inquire about local registration or reporting requirements.  Most of California's 58 counties and 482 cities do not have registration or reporting requirements, although your local jurisdiction might have registration or reporting requirements.

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Q: How do I set up my user ID and set up auto replenishment of liners on the web portal?

A: See this process documentation for detailed instructions.

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Q: What do I do with extra liners at the end of the grant period (August 2020)?

A: Med bin hosts are to ship the liners out when full, even if the liners are shipped out past the end of the grant.  Continue using the prepaid liners provided by the grant until the supply is depleted.

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Q: Do I have to notify the Board of Pharmacy if I install a take-back receptacle? How do I submit a notice?

A: Yes, you must notify the Board of Pharmacy within 30 days of installing a take-back receptacle. Please follow this fill out and submit this short online form to have your location registered.

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Q: How does the envelope portion of the program work?

A: We're distributing free, postage-paid, safe disposal envelopes as part of the CA Drug Take-Back Program for the elderly and homebound to use to return their unwanted medicines. A small number of counties (Lake County, Nevada County, Tehama County, Humboldt County, Imperial County, Merced County, Kern County, or Orange County) have been identified as a priority location to distribute the envelopes. If you're a Department of Health representative, law enforcement office representative, pharmacist, or elderly care facility representative, please reach out to us to inquire about how you can participate.  Also, using the envelopes is easy:  

• Fill it.  Just put unwanted medicines in a plastic baggie or leave in the pill bottle, remove identifying stickers from pill bottles, and put it in the envelope.

• Seal it.  Simply seal the envelope securely.

• Mail it.  Put the envelope in your mailbox or drop it off at a post office.

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Q: Do I have to register with the DEA or the Board of Pharmacy to participate in the envelope program?
A: No DEA registration or notification to the Board of Pharmacy is required to distribute envelopes at your facility.

 

Q: Where are the envelopes sent once someone has put them in the mailbox? Is there a shipping cost?
A: No shipping cost. The envelopes are postage-paid and pre-addressed to a DEA approved collector for destruction.
 

Q: What if I have additional questions about the project?

A:  Please read the following FAQ reference document (Frequently Asked Questions reference document)  or email Nate Pelczar at nate@calpsc.org. ​