Controlled Substance waste is highly regulated and is the responsibility the individual who holds the DEA registration from which the waste was generated. Waste from different registrations can not be combined.
The Controlled Substance Program will host a reverse distribution event to include individual registrants on May 13, 2026. This event is designed to help reduce waste costs for individual researchers. To secure an appointment time, please contact controlledsubstances@ehs.ucla.edu no later than April 15, 2026.
Different Waste Generating Streams on Campus
There are four different controlled substance waste generating streams on campus, the information listed below does not include any UCLA Health procedures.
The Controlled Substance Program manages all waste generated by our authorized users. This included expired or unused material not longer needed, and all associated usage logs.
Schedule your return appointment with our booking link below, remember you will need to bring your associated usage logs with you, please do not photocopy logs:
If you hold your own registration you will have to dispose of your controlled substances via a reverse distributor and maintain all associated records for at least 2 year (21 CFR 1304.04).
Alternatively, you can set up your own account with a reverse distributor to come out and collect your waste. Ensure that the address provided matches the address listed on your registration.
Gaiaca
For more information, visit GAIACA
contact: Justin Lee jlee@gaiaca.com
| Vendor Key | Vendor Name | Address | City | State | Zip | Vendor Type | Bus Code | Vendor Short Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 323428001 | GAIACA LLC | DBA GAIACA WASTE REVITALIZATION PO BOX 188 | GONZALES | CA | 93926-0188 | R | DNP | GAIACAWAST |
Find your nearest site atDEA Controlled Substance Public Disposal Locations Search
(21 CFR 1317.75)
The following location are available on campus:
-Bruin Health Pharmacy 308 Westwood Plaza, A-250
-UCLA Medical Center200 Medical Plaza Suite 135
Take Back Events (21CFR 1317.65)
What is pharmaceutical waste?
Pharmaceutical waste is any leftover, unused or expired medication that is no longer needed or can no longer be used. This includes used items containing pharmaceutical residues that do not contain blood.
- Unused, expired pharmaceutical products
- Sharps, including scalpels, needles and syringes
- Empty receptacles (pill bottles, blister packs, liquid medicine containers & ointment tubes)
- Medicine distribution devices like autoinjectors, inhalers and nebulizers
These items should be placed in a pharmaceutical waste containers. Liquids should be in closed containers to prevent spillage. These containers differ from biohazardous container.
Researchers are able to drop off their pharmaceutical waste containers at secured UCLA Medical Waste Accumulation sites.
To request access visit
