If you are unable to make it to one of the drop-off locations, medications can be discarded in your trash. This is not our recommended option, as medications in the trash have the potential for misuse. They can also make their way into the environment when landfill liquids are sent to sewage treatment facilities. If this is your only option, please take the following steps:

1. Take your prescription drugs out of their original containers.
2. Mix drugs with an undesirable substance, such as cat litter or used coffee grounds.
3. Put the mixture into a disposable container with a lid, such as an empty margarine tub, or a sealable bag.
4. Conceal or remove any personal information, including Rx number, on the empty containers by covering it with black permanent marker or duct tape, or by scratching it off.
5. Place the sealed container with the mixture, and the empty drug containers, in the trash.

If you have additional questions, please call the Solid & Hazardous Waste hotline at 360-867-2664, or visit Safe Medication Return (WA DOH) 

*Controlled substances are regulated by state and federal laws designed to prevent addiction, abuse, physical and mental harm, and illegal trafficking thereof. Such drugs are illegal for sale or use, with the exception of those dispensed under a physician's prescription for use only by the intended person.

Social Media that has directed you to this web page, has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement PC-01J18001 to the Washington State Department of Health. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.