HomeMy WebLinkAboutmed-project-for-sharps-2025-adaMED-Project 2024 Annual Report
County of Alameda (Sharps), California
Due by March 1, 2025
Prepared By: MED-Project LLC
Submitted To: Alameda County Department of Environmental Health
Table of Contents
I. Executive Summary 1
A. Notifications in the Reporting Period 1
B. Reporting Period Operations Overview 1
II. Participating Producers 3
III. Sharps Collection Method and Weight 3
A. Kiosks 3
B. Mail-Back Services 3
C. Take-Back Events 4
D. Total Weight of Collected Sharps 4
IV. Disposal and Transporter Information 4
A. Transporter Information 4
B. Disposal Facility Information 4
V. Safety and Security Report 4
VI. Educational Efforts and Public Outreach 5
A. Public Education Activities 5
B. Outreach Activities 5
C. Evaluation Activities 5
VII. Program Goals 6
Summary of Product Stewardship Plan’s Goals 6
VIII. Expenditures 7
Appendix A 9
Sharps Household Hazardous Waste Facilities 9
Appendix B 10
Transporters 10
Appendix C 11
Disposal Facilities 11
Appendix D 12
MED-Project Promotional Materials 12
Appendix E 25
MED-Project Promotional Materials Distribution 25
Appendix F 26
MED-Project Website Pages 26
Appendix G 58
MED-Project Website Statistics 58
Appendix H 59
Social Media and Email Outreach Activity 59
Social Media Posts 59
Email Blast Activity 63
Appendix I 64
Media Outreach Summary 64
1
I. Executive Summary
MED-Project LLC (“MED-Project”) operates a Producer Stewardship Plan for Sharps
from Households dated August 31, 2022 (“Approved Plan”) in the County of Alameda
(“Jurisdiction”) under the Alameda County Safe Consumer-Generated Sharps Disposal
Ordinance No. 2015-53, Alameda Municipal Code Chapters 6.54.010 – 6.54.180
(“Ordinance”). This 2024 Alameda County Sharps Annual Report (“Report”) describes
MED-Project’s activities between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024 (“Reporting
Period”). All capitalized terminology not defined in this summary is derived from the
Approved Plan.
MED-Project has served the Residents of the County since 2018, including by collecting
over 267,000 pounds of Sharps. MED-Project’s comprehensive outreach and education
program has generated over 43 million impressions to County Residents.
A. Notifications in the Reporting Period
MED-Project submitted one notification to the Alameda County Department of
Environmental Health (the “Department”) during the Reporting Period.
− MED-Project submitted a notification on December 16, 2024, of a change in the
order of the Call Center/IVR script.
B. Reporting Period Operations Overview
During the Reporting Period, priority was given to establishing Sharps Kiosk Drop-Off
Sites throughout the Jurisdiction, and performing outreach to eligible pharmacies,
hospitals, and clinics with on-site pharmacies, and Law Enforcement Agencies (“LEAs”)
throughout Alameda County. As a result of these efforts, MED-Project’s Program
collected and disposed of Sharps from 64 Sharps Kiosk Drop-Off Sites, Mail-Back
Services, and four Household Hazardous Waste Facilities during the Reporting Period.
MED-Project installed three new kiosks during the Reporting Period.
Kiosks were installed in pharmacies that meet all local, state, and federal requirements
and that executed agreements with MED-Project. In addition, outreach and educational
materials, including signage and/or brochures, were distributed to new Kiosk Drop-Off
Sites and select existing Kiosk Drop-Off Sites.
MED-Project provided disposal instructions to select Kiosk Drop-Off Sites and Mail-
Back Services to Residents and continues to communicate with Kiosk Drop-Off Site
Hosts to distribute outreach materials upon request, review procedures as needed, and
improve overall Program design.
As outlined in the Approved Plan, the ultimate goal of the Program is to provide
Residents with convenient, safe, and accessible methods to dispose of Sharps.
2
The following Sections of the Report address the specific reporting requirements in
Ordinance Section 6.54.120. Each section of the Report restates the corresponding
Ordinance requirement and provides the required information. Numbers in the Report
have been rounded to the nearest tenth place.
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II. Participating Producers
Ordinance Sec. 6.54.120.A.1: “A list of Producers participating in the
Product Stewardship Plan.”
The list of participating producers is provided in an accessible spreadsheet. See
Attachment A: Participating Producers.
III. Sharps Collection Method and Weight
Ordinance 6.54.120.A.2: “The amount, by weight, of Sharps collected,
including the amount by weight from each collection method used.”
A. Kiosks
Ordinance 6.54.120.A.3:“The weight of Sharps collected and number of
pickups, and the quantity of outer containers (if applicable), for each
collection site.”
Ordinance 6.54.120.A.4: “A list of drop-off sites”
– MED-Project collected 59,460 pounds of Sharps through Kiosk Drop-Off Sites.
– MED-Project collected 16,286 pounds of Sharps through Household Hazardous
Waste Facilities.
The list of Kiosk Drop-Off Sites is provided in an accessible spreadsheet. See
Attachment B: Kiosk Drop-Off Site Locations and Collection Data
See Appendix A; Sharps Household Hazardous Waste Facilities.
B. Mail-Back Services
Ordinance 6.54.120.A.5: “The number of mail-back containers provided to
County residents, and how many were returned during the reporting
period.”
– MED-Project distributed 2,179 Sharps mail-back packages directly to Residents.
– MED-Project received 893 returned Sharps mail-back packages.
– MED-Project collected 1,863 pounds of Sharps through Mail-Back Services.
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C. Take-Back Events
Ordinance 6.54.120.A.6: “The dates and locations of collection events
held, if applicable, and the quantities by weight returned at those events.”
There were no Take-Back Events during the Reporting Period.
D. Total Weight of Collected Sharps
MED-Project collected 77,609 pounds of Sharps through all methods.
IV. Disposal and Transporter Information
Ordinance Sec. 6.54.120.A.7: “The transporters used and disposal facility
or facilities used for all Sharps.”
A. Transporter Information
See Appendix B; Transporters.
B. Disposal Facility Information
See Appendix C; Disposal Facilities
V. Safety and Security Report
Ordinance 6.54.120.A.8: “Whether any safety or security problems
occurred during collection, transportation or disposal of Sharps during the
reporting period and, if so, what changes have or will be made to policies,
procedures or tracking mechanisms to alleviate the problem and to improve
safety and security in the future, this portion of the report may be submitted
under separate cover clearly marked ‘Safety and Security Report’.”
There were no safety or security incidents identified during the collection, transportation
or disposal of Sharps during the Reporting Period.
5
VI. Educational Efforts and Public Outreach
Ordinance 6.54.120.A.9:“A description of the public education, outreach
and evaluation activities implemented during the reporting period.”
A. Public Education Activities
MED-Project provided a variety of public education activities during the Reporting
Period, including providing disposal instructions for Sharps kiosks and Mail-Back
Services, maintaining a website and toll-free number that provide information on the
proper disposal of Sharps waste, collection, and disposal options available through
MED-Project, and providing outreach materials. The MED-Project Website and Call
Center were available in English and the Specified Languages as outlined in the plan:
Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese and Tagalog. Content on MED-Project’s Website,
including downloadable promotional materials such as brochures and posters, can be
translated into more than 100 languages via an integrated translation tool. Printed
posters and brochures were available in English and Spanish. See Appendix D for
examples of promotional materials. See Appendix E for promotional material distribution
information. MED-Project Website information and statistics are provided in Appendices
F and G, respectively.
B. Outreach Activities
MED-Project conducted the following outreach activities during the Reporting Period:
digital display, connected TV, online video, and streaming audio advertisement
campaigns, distributed signage and/or brochures, posted information on social media
sites, and sent email blasts. As a part of outreach activities described above, MED-
Project generated more than 2.7 million total impressions during the Reporting Period.
A list of social media and email outreach activities is provided in Appendix H. The reach
and impressions for each campaign are provided in the Media Outreach Summary. See
Appendix I.
C. Evaluation Activities
Consistent with the Approved Plan, MED-Project conducted the biennial survey of
Residents, pharmacists, veterinarians, and health professionals in the County who
interact with patients to measure Program awareness of the take-back of Sharps from
households and to evaluate the effectiveness of its education and outreach activities
during the Reporting Period. A total of 1,000 Residents and 200 healthcare providers in
Alameda County were surveyed between April 2 and April 16, 2024. Sampling was
6
done at random throughout the population. Results of the survey were posted to the
MED-Project Website on July 2, 2024.
The survey found that 97% of providers and 78% of Residents were aware of pharmacy
drop-boxes as a way to dispose of home-generated sharps.
Among County Residents surveyed, 33% reported utilizing a drop-off location. Further,
92% of Residents found the home-generated sharps disposal programs easy to use,
easy to locate, and convenient.
Of healthcare providers, 91% encouraged patients to safely store and dispose of home-
generated sharps. The survey found that 92% of Alameda County providers believe the
home-generated sharps disposal programs are easy to use, 86% believe they are easy
to locate, and 85% feel the programs are convenient.
A total of 54% of Alameda Residents indicated they learned about the takeback
program for disposal of home-generated sharps through social media platforms, with
31% of Residents indicating this was their preferred method of exposure to information
about the program.
Additionally, 59% of healthcare providers learned about take-back programs for home-
generated sharps through social media platforms.
MED-Project will continue to evaluate media and public outreach as well as collect
feedback by surveys to identify and make adjustments and improvements to the
Program. Additionally, MED-Project may revise and/or add promotional materials based
on changes to the Plan, as needed.
VII. Program Goals
Ordinance 6.54.120.A.10:“A summary of the Product Stewardship Plan’s
goals, the degree of success in meeting those goals in the past year, and, if
any goals have not been met, what effort will be made to achieve the goals
in the next year.”
Summary of Product Stewardship Plan’s Goals
As discussed in Section V.A.2 of the Approved Plan, MED-Project performed against
the following long term goal during the Reporting Period, by operating 55 Kiosk Drop-Off
Sites.
MED-Project exceeded the long-term goal to have 55 Kiosk Drop-Off Sites during the
Reporting Period by operating 64 active Kiosk Drop-Off Sites, with at least two Kiosk
Drop-Off Sites in each district. Refer to Section III of this Report for specific information.
Figure 1 shows a graphical representation of how MED-Project provided reasonably
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convenient and equitable access for all county Residents in each supervisorial district
during the Reporting Period.
MED-Project continued collector outreach by sending 311 letters to potential Sharps
Kiosk Drop-Off Sites. MED-Project sought to include in the Program eligible sites that
responded to the letter.
MED-Project maintained a toll-free number for a Call Center and the MED-Project
Website to provide information to Residents, as well as provided information through
social media postings.
VIII. Expenditures
Ordinance 6.54.120.A.11: “The total expenditures of the Product
Stewardship Plan during the reporting period.”
The total Program expenditures for the Reporting period were $329,769.741.
1 Final total Program Expenses are pending 2024 audited financials
8
Figure 1:Map of Active Kiosk Drop-Off Sites during the Reporting Period
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Appendix A
Sharps Household Hazardous Waste Facilities
Site Weight Collected
(in Pounds)
Pickups Outer Containers
Collected
Fremont HHW
Facility
4,211 26 85
Hayward HHW
Facility
2,296 12 47
Livermore HHW
Facility
3,253 12 67
Oakland HHW
Facility
6,526 12 132
Table 1: Sharps Household Hazardous Waste Facilities
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Appendix B
Transporters
Name Address
Daniels Sharpsmart Inc. 4144 East Therese Avenue, Fresno,
CA 93725
Sharps Solutions, LLC 23575 Cabot Blvd, Suite 205,
Hayward, CA 94545
United States Postal Service 475 L’Enfant Plaza Southwest,
Washington, DC 20260
Table 2: Transporters
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Appendix C
Disposal Facilities
Disposal Facility Address
Daniels Sharpsmart Inc. 4144 East Therese Avenue, Fresno,
CA 93725
MedSharps, LLC 17340 Bell North Drive, Schertz, TX
78154
Table 3: Disposal Facilities
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Appendix D
MED-Project Promotional Materials
Examples of Promotional Materials that were distributed during the Reporting Period.
Figure 2: MED-Project Brochure Front (English)
13
Figure 3: MED-Project Brochure Back (English)
14
Figure 4: MED-Project Brochure Front (Spanish)
15
Figure 5: MED-Project Brochure Back (Spanish)
16
Figure Description:
Figures showing the MED-Project brochure: Figure 2 (Front Side, English); Figure 3
(Back Side; English; Figure 4 (Front Side, Spanish); Figure 5 (Back Side; Spanish)
Description:
Front Side:
What can I dispose of?
Please separate and remove any items and medication that are not accepted before
disposing.
Accepted: Sharps (such as hypodermic needles, pen needles, pre-loaded sharps, auto-
injectors, intravenous needles, lancets, and other devices used to penetrate the skin for
drawing blood, or for the delivery of medicines) contained in U.S. Food and Drug
Administration cleared sharps containers.
NOT Accepted: Controlled substances (such as opioids), unwanted medicines not
contained in sharps, or loose sharps that are not contained in U.S. Food and Drug
Administration-cleared sharps containers.
To learn more about items that are not accepted in your area, visit med-project.org.
For more information about the MED-Project Program, visit www.med-project.org or call
1 (844) MED-PROJECT or 1 (844) 633-7765 (TTY: 711).
For easy-to-use and easy-to-locate medication disposal!
Are You Done With Those?
Safe and Free Sharps Disposal. We Make it Easy for You!
Back Side:
What should you do with your unwanted sharps?
Sharps is a medical term for devices with sharp points or edges that can puncture or cut
skin such as lances, needles, syringes auto-injectors, and other devices used for
injections. They may be used at home, at work, and while traveling to manage the
medical conditions of people or their pets, including allergies, arthritis, cancer, diabetes,
hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, infertility, migraines, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, blood clotting
disorders, and psoriasis.
MED-Project programs and services make it safe, free, and convenient for you to
dispose of sharps.
Use as Directed
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If there are any specific instructions on the label, package, or package insert, please
follow those. If you have questions about your medication or health, please contact your
healthcare provider.
Store Securely
Place all sharps in a sharps disposal container immediately after they have been used.
This will reduce the risk of needle sticks, cuts, and punctures from sharps. Sharps
disposal containers should be kept out of reach of children and pets.
Dispose Safely
DO NOT place loose sharps in the trash and never place sharps in recycling. Drop off or
mail-back your unwanted sharps in a sharps container for safe disposal.
Never dispose of sharps down the sink or toilet. Doing so may put waste management
and sewage workers, custodians, housekeepers, household members, and children at
risk of being harmed.
Disposal of Household Sharps
MED-Project provides safe, free, and convenient disposal options for unwanted sharps
in your community. Simply use one of our easy-to-locate drop boxes or submit an order
for a pre-paid mail-back package for proper disposal.
All sharps disposal containers should be made of heavy-duty plastic; able to close with
a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid without sharps being able to come out; upright and
stable during use; leak-resistant; and properly labeled as “sharps waste” or with the
biohazard symbol and the word “BIOHAZARD” to warn of hazardous materials inside
the container.
Do Not Reuse Sharps Disposal Containers.
Drop Box
Conveniently located drop boxes are available in your area where you can deposit filled
Sharps disposal containers. To find a drop box near you, visit the Find a Location
section of med-project.org.
Mail-Back
Mail-back packages are available in your area. All sharps mail-back packages include a
sharps disposal container and are pre-addressed with postage pre-paid. To order a
mail-back package, visit the Mail-Back section of med-project.org
To find out more about the disposal options in your area, visit med-project.org.
To protect your privacy, patients are reminded to remove all personally identifiable
information on medication labels or packaging before disposing of unwanted medication
18
Figure 6: MED-Project Sharps Mail-Back Insert (English)
19
Figure 7: MED-Project Sharps Mail-Back Insert (Spanish)
20
Figure Description:
Figures showing the Sharps Mail-Back Insert: Figure 6 (English); Figure 7 (Spanish)
Description:
Sharps Mail-Back Package
The following are NOT accepted in Sharps Mail-Back Packages:
Controlled substances (such as opioids), unwanted medicines not contained in sharps,
loose sharps that are not contained in U.S. Food and Drug Administration-cleared
sharps containers.
Please separate and remove any items and medication that are not accepted before
disposing.For more information about the MED-Project program:
Please visit med-project.org or call (844) MED-PROJECT (844) 633-7765 (TTY: 711)
MED-Project
Medication Education & Disposal
21
Figure 8: MED-Project Kiosk Poster (Multilingual)
22
Figure Description:
Figures showing the MED-Project Kiosk Poster: Figure 8 (Multilingual)
Description:
Safe & Free Sharps Disposal Here
MED-Project Call Center (844) MED-PROJECT | (844) 633-7765 | (TTY: 711)
med-project.org
MED-Project Medication Education & Disposal
23
Figure 9: MED-Project Kiosk Poster (Multilingual)
24
Figure Description:
Figures showing the MED-Project Combo Kiosk Poster: Figure 9 (Multilingual)
Description:
Safe & Free Medication and Sharps Disposal Here
MED-Project Call Center (844) MED-PROJECT | (844) 633-7765 | (TTY: 711)
med-project.org
MED-Project Medication Education & Disposal
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Appendix E
MED-Project Promotional Materials Distribution
Kiosk Drop-Off Sites that received brochures or posters during the Reporting Period
Site Address City ZIP Code
CVS Pharmacy 03024 7201 Regional Street Dublin 94568
Kaiser Berkeley OP Pharmacy
910
2621 10th St Fl 2 Rm
2505
Berkeley 94710
Kaiser Fremont Niles West OP
Pharmacy 161
39400 Paseo Padre
Pkwy
Fremont 94538
Kaiser Pleasanton South 1
Pharmacy 471
7601 Stoneridge Dr Pleasanton 94588
Table 4: Promotional Materials Distribution
26
Appendix F
MED-Project Website Pages
A representative sample of MED-Project website pages for the County during the
Reporting Period.
Figure 10: MED-Project Website Home Page
27
Figure Description:
Figure showing the Alameda County MED-Project website “Home” page: Figure 10
Description:
Alameda County, CA – Medicine/Sharps Disposal Program
What should you do with your unwanted household medication and sharps?
Medicine helps treat disease, manage chronic conditions, and improve health and well-
being for millions of Americans.
Take medication as directed by your health care provider and as indicated on the label
or packaging, then store it securely, and dispose of it safely, to prevent accidental
ingestion or misuse by others, including children and pets. Always be sure to store
sharps securely to prevent accidental sticks or misuse by others, and dispose of sharps
safely.
MED-Project’s disposal services for your unwanted household medication or sharps are
safe, convenient, and free.
Learn more about the program
Linked Alameda MED-Project Website pages (Many of these links are repeated on all
Website pages):
• Home
• Medicine Usage
• Safe Storage Information
• Find a Location
• Mail-Back Services
• Take-Back Events
• Learn
• FAQ
• Contact
• Login
• English (choice of language)
Links to social media platforms:
• Facebook
• X
• LinkedIn
28
Figure 11: MED-Project Website Medicine and Sharps Usage Page
29
Figure Description:
Figure showing the Alameda County MED-Project website “Medicine and Sharps
Usage” page: Figure 11
Description:
Medicine & Sharps Usage
If there are any specific instructions on the label, package, or package insert, please
follow those instructions.
Adhering to your medication routine means taking your medicine as directed or as
prescribed – the right dose, at the right time, in the right way and frequency.
Sharps is a medical term for devices with sharp points or edges that can puncture or cut
skin. They may be used at home, at work, and while traveling to manage the medical
conditions of people or their pets, including allergies, arthritis, cancer, diabetes,
hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, infertility, migraines, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, blood clotting
disorders, and psoriasis.
Never dispose of medication or sharps down the sink or toilet and do not place sharps
in the trash or recycling. Doing so may put waste management and sewage workers,
custodians, housekeepers, household members, and children at risk of being harmed.
If you have questions about any medication or your health, please contact your
healthcare provider.
30
Figure 12: MED-Project Website Safe Storage Information Page
31
Figure Description:
Figure showing the Alameda County MED-Project website “Safe Storage Information”
page: Figure 12
Description:
Safe Storage Information
It is important to take medication as prescribed by your health care provider and as
indicated on the label or packaging.
Always be sure to store medicine securely to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse by
others, especially children. If you have expired or unwanted household medication,
proper storage and disposal are easy.
To protect your family, pets, and community, follow these instructions for secure storage
and safe disposal.
Use as Directed
Use medication as directed. If there are any specific instructions on the label, package,
or package insert, please follow those. If you have any questions, ask your healthcare
providers.
Store Securely
Follow storage instructions as provided on medicine labels and on the information
accompanying medicine. Keep medication in a secure location safely away from people
or pets that might come in contact with them.
Dispose Safely
Check your medicine cabinet and remove all expired and unwanted medication. If you
do not know if a drug is still safe, check with your pharmacist. Count medication to keep
track of amounts. Drop off or mail back expired or unwanted medications for safe
disposal.
Please separate and remove any items and medication that are not accepted before
disposing.
Do not place medicine in the trash or recycling and never flush them down the sink or
toilet.
To protect your privacy, patients are reminded to remove all personally identifiable
information on medication labels or packaging before disposing of unwanted medicine.
32
Figure 13: MED-Project Website Find A Location Page-Convenient Locations Tab
33
Figure Description:
Figure showing the Alameda County MED-Project website “Find A Location Page-
Convenient Locations Tab” page: Figure 13
Description:
Find a Location
Convenient Locations
MED-Project provides safe, free, and convenient disposal options for household
medications in your community.
Find a location for services near you.
Your Coverage Area
Enter your zip code to find a convenient location near you (The user can input their ZIP
code and the radius of their search to display a map of nearby Kiosk Drop-Off Sites and
Mail-Back Distribution Locations).
34
Figure 14: MED-Project Website Find A Location Page-What Can I Dispose Of Tab
35
Figure Description:
Figure showing the Alameda County MED-Project website “Find A Location Page-What
can I dispose of tab” page: Figure 14
Description:
What Can I Dispose Of?
Below are general guidelines for the products that will and will not be accepted in drop
boxes.
Medicine
To protect your privacy, patients are reminded to remove all personally identifiable
information on medication labels or packaging before disposing of unwanted medicine.
Residents may also go to selected locations to request a Mail-Back Package for expired
or unwanted medicine.
Accepted
Medications in any dosage form, except for those listed below, in their original container
or sealed bag are accepted.
Not Accepted
• Herbal remedies
• Vitamins
• Supplements
• Cosmetics
• Other personal care products
• Empty medical devices
• Batteries
• Mercury-containing thermometers
• Sharps
• Illicit drugs
If transferring medications to a sealed bag, please be sure to recycle remaining
packaging.
Do not place medicine in the trash or recycling, and never flush them down the toilet.
Please dispose of any items on the NOT ACCEPTED list at your local Hazardous
Waste Facility. Call 1 (800) 606-6606 or visit Household-HazWaste.org for details.
Sharps
Accepted
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Sharps (such as hypodermic needles, pen needles, pre-loaded sharps, auto-injectors,
intravenous needles, lancets, and other devices used to penetrate the skin for drawing
blood, or for the delivery of medicines) contained in U.S. Food and Drug Administration-
cleared sharps containers.
Not Accepted
• Controlled substances (such as opioids)
• Unwanted medicines not contained in sharps
• Loose sharps that are not contained in U.S. Food and Drug Administration-
cleared sharps containers
All sharps disposal containers should be made of heavy-duty plastic; able to close with
a tight-fitting, puncture resistant lid without sharps being able to come out; upright and
stable during use; leak-resistant; and properly labeled as “sharps waste” or with the
biohazard symbol and the word “BIOHAZARD” to warn of hazardous materials inside
the container.
37
Figure 15: MED-Project Website Find A Location Page-Location Services Tab
38
Figure Description:
Figure showing the Alameda County MED-Project website “Find A Location Page-
Locations Services” tab: Figure 15
Description:
Location Services
See descriptions of our services below.
Medication Drop Box
Medication drop boxes are installed at nearby locations such as pharmacies and law
enforcement offices for residents to simply drop off their expired or unwanted household
medication for safe, free, and convenient disposal.
Sharps Drop Box
Sharps drop boxes are installed at nearby locations such as pharmacies and law
enforcement offices for residents to simply drop off their household sharps in an
approved sharps container for safe, free, and convenient disposal.
NOTE: Not all services are available at each location. Visit the Find a Location page to
find out what services are available at a specific collection site.
39
Figure 16: MED-Project Website Mail-Back Services Page
40
Figure Description:
Figure showing the Alameda County MED-Project website “Mail-Back Services” page:
Figure 16
Description:
Mail-Back Services
MED-Project provides the following different types of Mail-Back Packages at no charge
to residents.
Please complete the below form to request a pre-paid, pre-addressed mail-back
package. Instructions for disposal will be provided with all mail-back services. Please
submit separate forms for each type of mail-back package.
To protect your privacy, patients are reminded to remove all personally identifiable
information on medication labels or packaging before disposing of unwanted medicine.
Home healthcare professionals providing services to residents may also request a Mail-
Back Package on their behalf.
41
Figure17: MED-Project Website Sharps Mail-Back Package Insert
42
Figure Description:
Figure showing the Alameda County MED-Project website “Sharps Mail-Back Insert”
page: Figure 17
Description:
Sharps Mail-Back Package Insert
Sharps Mail-Back Package
The following are NOT accepted in Sharps Mail-Back Packages:
Controlled substances (such as opioids), unwanted medicines not contained in sharps,
loose sharps that are not contained in U.S. Food and Drug Administration-cleared
sharps containers.
Please separate and remove any items and medication that are not accepted before
disposing.
For more information about the MED-Project program:
Please visit med-project.org or call 1-844-MED-PROJECT 1-844-633-7765 (TTY: 711)
43
Figure 18: MED-Project Website Learn Page
44
Figure Description:
Figure showing the Alameda County MED-Project website “Learn” page: Figure 18
Description:
Outreach and Education
Part of MED-Project's mission is to reach out to the local community and educate
residents about the proper disposal of unwanted household medication and sharps.
Medicine helps treat disease, manage chronic conditions, and improve health and well-
being for millions of Americans.
Take medication as directed by your health care provider and as indicated on the label
or packaging, then store it securely, and dispose of it safely, to prevent accidental
ingestion or misuse by others, including children and pets. Always be sure to store
sharps securely to prevent accidental sticks or misuse by others, and dispose of sharps
safely.
MED-Project’s disposal services for your unwanted household medication or sharps are
safe, convenient, and free.
Brochure – Medicine Program
View Brochure Content
Brochure – Sharps Program
View Brochure Content
Frequently Asked Questions
View our FAQs
Video Public Service Announcement (PSA) – Medicine & Sharps Program
Watch PSA
Survey Information & Results – Unwanted Medicine
View Survey
Survey Information & Results - Sharps
View Survey
Login to your account to order brochures or view signage.
If you would like any of the unwanted Medicine Program materials emailed to you,
contact: alameda@med-project.org.
45
If you would like any of the Sharps Program materials emailed to you, contact:
alamedasharps@med-project.org.
46
Figure 19: MED-Project Website Brochure Page
47
Figure Description:
Figure showing the Alameda County MED-Project website “Brochure” page: Figure 19
Description:
Brochure – Sharps Program
Outreach and Education
Part of MED-Project’s mission is to reach out to the local community and educate
residents about the proper disposal of unwanted household sharps.
Are You Done With Those?
Safe and Free Sharps Disposal. We Make it Easy for You!
What should you do with your unwanted sharps?
Sharps is a medical term for devices with sharp points or edges that can puncture or cut
skin such as lances, needles, syringes auto-injectors, and other devices used for
injections. They may be used at home, at work, and while traveling to manage the
medical conditions of people or their pets, including allergies, arthritis, cancer, diabetes,
hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, infertility, migraines, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, blood clotting
disorders, and psoriasis.
MED-Project programs and services make it safe, free, and convenient for you to
dispose of sharps.
Use as Directed
If there are any specific instructions on the label, package, or package insert, please
follow those. If you have questions about your medication or health, please contact your
healthcare provider.
Store Securely
Place all sharps in a sharps disposal container immediately after they have been used.
This will reduce the risk of needle sticks, cuts, and punctures from sharps. Sharps
disposal containers should be kept out of reach of children and pets.
Dispose Safely
DO NOT place loose sharps in the trash and never place sharps in recycling. Drop off or
mail-back your unwanted sharps in a sharps container for safe disposal.
Never dispose of sharps down the sink or toilet. Doing so may put waste management
and sewage workers, custodians, housekeepers, household members, and children at
risk of being harmed.
Disposal of Household Sharps
48
MED-Project provides safe, free, and convenient disposal options for unwanted sharps
in your community. Simply use one of our easy-to-locate drop boxes or submit an order
for a pre-paid mail-back package for proper disposal.
All sharps disposal containers should be made of heavy-duty plastic; able to close with
a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid without sharps being able to come out; upright and
stable during use; leak-resistant; and properly labeled as “sharps waste” or with the
biohazard symbol and the word “BIOHAZARD” to warn of hazardous materials inside
the container.
Do Not Reuse Sharps Disposal Containers.
Drop Box
Conveniently located drop boxes are available in your area where you can deposit filled
Sharps disposal containers. To find a drop box near you, visit the Find a Location
section of med-project.org.
Mail-Back
Mail-back packages are available in your area. All sharps mail-back packages include a
sharps disposal container and are pre-addressed with postage pre-paid. To order a
mail-back package, visit the Mail-Back section of med-project.org
To find out more about the disposal options in your area, visit med-project.org.
To protect your privacy, patients are reminded to remove all personally identifiable
information on medication labels or packaging before disposing of unwanted medication
What can I dispose of?
Please separate and remove any items and medication that are not accepted before
disposing.
Accepted: Sharps (such as hypodermic needles, pen needles, pre-loaded sharps, auto-
injectors, intravenous needles, lancets, and other devices used to penetrate the skin for
drawing blood, or for the delivery of medicines) contained in U.S. Food and Drug
Administration cleared sharps containers.
NOT Accepted: Controlled substances (such as opioids), unwanted medicines not
contained in sharps, or loose sharps that are not contained in U.S. Food and Drug
Administration-cleared sharps containers.
To learn more about items that are not accepted in your area, visit med-project.org.
For more information about the MED-Project Program, visit www.med-project.org or call
1 (844) MED-PROJECT or 1 (844) 633-7765 (TTY: 711).
For easy-to-use and easy-to-locate medication disposal!
49
Figure 20: MED-Project Website Frequently Asked Questions Page
50
Figure Description:
Figure showing the Alameda County MED-Project website “Frequently Asked
Questions” page: Figure 20
Description:
General Questions
What is MED-Project?
What should I do if I am having a medical emergency?
What should I do if I think I have ingested something poisonous?
What should I do if my pet has ingested medication?
What should I do if I think I or someone in my household has been stuck by a used
sharp?
Where can I find information about California's Prop 65?
Where are the MED-Project disposal locations nearest me?
Medicine and Sharps Program Questions
Whom should I call with a question about my medication or sharps?
Where can I find information about the safe storage of medication or sharps?
How do I dispose of my expired or unwanted medicine or sharps?
Should I remove my personal information before disposing of my medication or sharps?
Will it cost me anything to dispose of my medication or sharps?
Can I flush my medication or sharps down the toilet?
What items can I dispose of in a MED-Project drop box?
Where else can I find information about the safe disposal of unwanted household
medication or sharps?
What is recommended for safe disposal of expired or unwanted household medication
and/or sharps in Alameda County?
I have a question not answered by this website. Is there someone I can contact with a
question about MED-Project?
Where can I find more information on the Alameda County Safe Drug Disposal
Ordinance?
51
Figure 21: MED-Project Website Public Service Announcement Page
52
Figure Description:
Figure showing the Alameda County MED-Project website “Video Public Service
Announcement” page: Figure 21
Description:
Outreach and Education
Part of MED-Project's mission is to reach out to the local community and educate
residents about the proper disposal of unwanted household medication and sharps.
53
Figure 22: MED-Project Website Signage Page
54
Figure Description:
Figure showing the Alameda County MED-Project website “Signage” page: Figure 22
Description:
Safe & Free Medication Disposal Here
Choose the poster title you want to translate, select your preferred language, and then
print.
Safe & Free Medication and Sharps Disposal Here
Choose the poster title you want to translate, select your preferred language, and then
print.
Safe & Free Sharps Disposal Here
Choose the poster title you want to translate, select your preferred language, and then
print.
55
Figure 23: MED-Project Website Contact Page
56
Figure Description:
Figure showing the Alameda County MED-Project website “Contact” page: Figure 23
Description:
Contact
Residents
If you are a resident of Alameda County and have questions about MED-Project, please
contact:
1 (844) MED-PROJECT or 1 (844) 633-7765 or (TTY: 711)
For answers to some frequently asked questions, visit the MED-Project FAQ page.
Convenient Locations
If you are a current drop box site, or a retail pharmacy, hospital/clinic with an onsite
pharmacy or a law enforcement agency interested in hosting a drop box, please contact
us:
Click here:
Login or Register for an Account
Call us by Phone:
1 (833) MED-PROJECT or 1 (833) 633-7765
Fax us:
1 (866) 633-1812
Email us:
Email Inquiries for Medicine Disposal: alameda@med-project.org
Email Inquiries for Sharps Disposal: alamedasharps@med-project.org
Address:
Dr. Victoria Travis, PharmD, MS, MBA
National Program Director
MED-Project, LLC
4096 Piedmont Ave - Unit 174
Oakland, CA 94611
Convenient Locations/Host Sites - Request Materials
57
Login to your account to order brochures or contact us at 1 (833) MED-PROJECT or 1
(833) 633-7765.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, login to your account.
Drug Producers
If you are drug producer interested in participating in the MED-Project Stewardship Plan
contact:
Phone: 1 (202) 495-3131
Email: compliance@med-project.org
Sharps Producers
If you are a sharps producer or a producer of medications usually injected outside of a
healthcare setting and sold in the jurisdiction and are interested in participating in a
MED-Project Product Stewardship Plan, please contact:
Phone: 1 (202) 495-3131
Email: compliance@med-project.org
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911. If you are experiencing a
non-emergency but suspect that you or another individual has ingested something
poisonous, please call Poison Control at 1 (800) 222-1222.
If you have questions about your medication, please call your health care provider.
58
Appendix G
MED-Project Website Statistics
The total number of MED-Project Website visits, by page, during the Reporting Period.
Web Page URL Total Views
Home https://med-project.org/locations/alameda/ 2,311
Medicine Usage https://med-
project.org/locations/alameda/medicine-sharps-
usage/
491
Safe Storage
Information
https://med-project.org/locations/alameda/safe-
storage-information/ 213
Find a Location https://med-project.org/locations/alameda/find-
a-location/ 6,423
Mail-Back Services https://med-project.org/locations/alameda/mail-
back-services/ 4,318
Learn https://med-project.org/locations/alameda/learn/ 853
Contact https://med-
project.org/locations/alameda/contact/ 157
Privacy Policy https://med-
project.org/locations/alameda/privacy-policy/ 37
Total N/A 14,803
Table 5: MED-Project Website Statistics
59
Appendix H
Social Media and Email Outreach Activity
Social Media Posts
Date Content Social Media
Platform
01/02/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook
01/10/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
X
01/11/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook
01/17/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
X
01/18/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook
01/23/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook
01/24/24 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
X
01/31/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
X
02/06/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook
02/07/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
X
02/14/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook and X
02/21/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook and X
02/28/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook and X
03/06/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook and X
03/12/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook
03/13/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
X
03/19/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook
03/20/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
X
60
Date Content Social Media
Platform
03/26/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook
03/27/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
X
04/03/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
X
04/06/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook
04/09/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook
04/10/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
X
04/16/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook
04/18/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
X
04/23/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook
04/24/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
X
05/08/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook and X
05/15/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook and X
05/21/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
X
05/22/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook
05/29/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook and X
06/06/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook
06/11/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook
06/12/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
X
06/18/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook
06/19/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
X
06/21/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
X
06/25/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook
61
Date Content Social Media
Platform
06/26/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
X
07/10/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
X
07/11/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook
07/16/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook
07/17/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
X
07/23/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook
07/24/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
X
07/30/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook
07/31/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
X
08/07/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
X
08/14/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
X
08/21/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
X
08/23/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook
08/25/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook
08/27/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook
08/28/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
X
08/29/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook
09/04/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook and X
09/11/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook and X
09/18/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook and X
09/25/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook and X
10/02/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook and X
62
Date Content Social Media
Platform
10/9/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook and X
10/16/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook and X
10/23/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook and X
11/4/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook and X
11/12/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook and X
11/18/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook and X
11/25/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook and X
12/2/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook and X
12/9/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook and X
12/16/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook and X
12/23/2024 General Unwanted Medicine/Sharps Program
Information
Facebook and X
Table 6: Social Media Posts
63
Email Blast Activity
Email blasts sent to community contacts during the Reporting Period.
Date Subject
03/28/2024 Alameda County - Medicine/Sharps Disposal Program Available
in your Community
06/21/2024 Alameda County - Medicine/Sharps Disposal Program Available
in your Community
09/24/2024 Alameda County - Medicine/Sharps Disposal Program Available
in your Community
11/14/2024 Alameda County - Medicine/Sharps Disposal Program Available
in your Community
Table 7: Email Blasts
64
Appendix I
Media Outreach Summary
Media
Channel (Type
of Media)
Start Date End Date
Name of
Publication,
Network, or
Station
Impressions
Reach
05/06/2024-
06/03/2024
Digital Display 05/06/2024 06/03/2024 AdTheorent 1,829,736 38%
Connected TV 05/06/2024 06/03/2024 AdTheorent 216,061 4%
Online Video 05/06/2024 06/03/2024 AdTheorent 405,863 14%
Streaming
Audio 05/06/2024 06/03/2024 AdTheorent 344,637 5%
Total N/A N/A N/A 2,796,297 52%
Table 8: Media Outreach Summary