Clark County residents may dispose of unused and expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medications for safe, free disposal at upcoming drive-thru drug disposal events. Drop-off at these events provides a safe, environmentally protective method of medication disposal.
The free drug disposal event is a collaborative effort between multiple agencies, including the Washington State Health Care Authority, law enforcement, substance misuse prevention coalitions and healthcare providers, a press release by Educational Service District 112 stated.
All prescription and over-the-counter medications including pills, liquids and inhalers will be accepted at any of the disposal locations. Medications do not need to be in their original containers or have personal information removed. Vape pens and e-cigarettes without batteries will also be accepted, the press release stated.
Drive-thru drug disposal will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 26, at the following locations:
Only the PeaceHealth Memorial Campus and Walgreens will accept sharps and syringes for disposal from noncommercial sources.
Safe medication disposal of any drugs, especially opioids, is vital to reducing substance abuse and safeguarding the environment, the press release stated.
“Statistics show that 75% of opioid misuse starts with people using medication that wasn’t prescribed for them,” Community Prevention Project Coordinator Kelley Groen‐Sieckmann said in the press release. “Simple steps like properly disposing of medications and storing medicine in a locked location can help prevent accidental poisonings, prescription drug misuse and overall decrease the spread of the opioid problem we are seeing in our region and across the country.”
For additional information about the drive-thru drug disposal event visit bit.ly/swwadrugtakeback. For more information about free year-round drug disposal within Clark County, visit medtakebackwashington.org.
