Non-controlled medications include over-the-counter drugs as well as prescription medications that are not regulated by the Controlled Substances Act. Your pharmacist or doctor can tell you which category a medication falls into. Disposal recommendations:
- Take unwanted medications to the transfer station during special household hazardous waste operating hours
- Ask your physician or pharmacist if they will take them back for safe disposal
Disposal locations (free of charge)
Central Transfer and Recycling Center
11034 NE 117th Avenue, Vancouver 360-256-8482
*Sharps* accepted: M-F 6am-6pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm
*Medications and inhalers* accepted: Fri-Sun 8am-4pm
Peacehealth Southwest Outpatient Pharmacy
400 NE Mother Joseph Place, 360-514-2294
Monday - Friday, 9am - 8:30pm
Liquids accepted, meds in original packaging only
No sharps or inhalers
Walgreens Pharmacy - Fisher's Landing Store Only
1905 SE 164th Avenue, 360-885-2938
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week Call for availability (bin fills quickly)
No liquids, lotions, inhalers, sharps or illegal drugs
Washougal Transfer Station
4020 S Grant Street, Washougal 360-835-2500
*Sharps* accepted: M-F 7am-5pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm
*Medications and inhalers* accepted the first and third Sat of the month, 8am-4pm
West Van Materials Recovery Center
6601 NW Old Lower River Road, Vancouver 360-737-1727
*Sharps* accepted: M-F 6am-6pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm
*Medications and inhalers* accepted: Sat-Sun 8am-4pm
You should keep the following in mind when transporting unwanted medications for disposal:
- While it is perfectly acceptable to combine all pills into one resealable plastic bag, if you get pulled over it might be easier to explain if you keep them in the original container with the medication’s name visible.
- Make sure the container is sealed and does not leak.
- All patient information is removed or obscured.
Inhalers
Inhalers should be taken to the transfer station at the locations and times listed above. You can remove the cartridge from the case, and throw the case in the trash.
