Safe disposal of medications, inhalers and sharps is important for the health of our families, community and environment. Medications should never be flushed down the toilet or drain. There are several convenient drop-off and mail-back options for safe medication return in Clark County. Household prescription and over-the-counter medications that are expired, unwanted or unused are accepted at no charge. Find the nearest drop-off site or fill out the online mail-back form. For more information about the statewide program, visit Washington Department of Health.
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Accepted
- Prescription medications including controlled substances such as OxyContin and Ritalin, pre-filled injectors like epi-pens and pre-filled syringes, and inhalers
- Over-the-counter medications (non-prescription medications)
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications for household pets
Not Accepted
- Business generated pharmaceutical waste
- Vitamins, minerals, and supplements
- Homeopathic and herbal-based remedies
- Cosmetics, shampoo, toothpaste, and sunscreen
- Empty injectors, empty inhalers, and medical devices that do not contain medication
- Livestock medication
- Pet pesticide products
- Illicit or illegal drugs (contact your local law enforcement agency for disposal assistance. In many areas you can do this by calling 311)
Transporting Tips
- Keep medication in its original container or in a sealed bag
- Make sure the container is sealed and does not leak
- All patient information is removed or blotted out
Sharps
Used hypodermic needles, syringes and lancets are dangerous because they can injure people and spread germs/disease. Victims of sharps-related injuries face the cost of post-injury testing, disease prevention measures, and counseling, even if no infection or disease was spread. Safely dispose of sharps and always use an approved or alternative sharps container.