On Saturday, October 24, 2020, four drug take-back locations were opened to accept unwanted medications. Over 4,600 lbs. of unwanted medications were collected at the Clark County sites even though ESD 112 was unable to participate in the collection this year. These events are vital to keeping substances out of the wrong hands and out of our landfills and waterways. All medication collected at take-back events is weighed, secured in boxes and transported to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration for safe incineration.

Combined Totals – four Clark County event sites:

  • 1,432 = total combined participants
  • 4,628 = total combined lbs. of meds collected
  • 710 = Total combined lbs. of Sharps/syringes collected

History of Drug Take Back Events

Our Drug Take Back Events started in 2010 with one Clark County event site. With support from a Washington State Health Care Authority regional opioid prevention grant, starting in 2018 multiple event sites are held twice annually in April and October and include partnerships with Law Enforcement and multiple substance misuse prevention coalitions and community partners throughout the Southwest Washington Region of Clark, Skamania and Klickitat counties.

As of October 24, 2020, these shared efforts have collected 41,875 pounds of medication from 16,820 total participants, all working together to keep these substances out of the wrong hands and out of our landfills and waterways. All medication collected at take-back events is weighed, secured in boxes and transported to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration for safe incineration.

This year, due to COVID, there was only one drug take back event adding 4,628 pounds disposed.

Year-round Medication Disposal

Missed the October 24th Drug Take Back Event? No worries…unwanted medications can be safely disposed of year-round at several collection sites across SW Washington at retail pharmacies, hospital and clinic pharmacies and Law Enforcement offices. Sharps and syringes can also be taken to local participating transfer and recovery centers for safe and proper disposal. For a list of year-round medication collection sites in SW Washington open during COVID-19, visit https://www.preventcoalition.org/resources/meds/ or for a list of medication disposal collections sites anywhere in Washington State, visit www.takebackyourmeds.org. Call ahead to verify availability and types of medication accepted for disposal.

Safe Disposal of Meds Protect Our Youth

Opioid abuse is hurting communities all across Washington State. The crisis affects Washingtonians of all ages, but it is taking a particularly heavy toll on our youth. We all play a role in preventing opioid misuse and overdose among Washington’s young people. Simple steps like promptly removing opioid prescription medications from your home and safely disposing of unwanted, unused or expired pills at a year-round collection sites can help protect teens and other loved ones. When it comes to protecting loved ones and the environment from the risks of opioids, you can make a difference. Visit www.GetTheFactsRx.com for more info on how you can make a difference in preventing opioid misuse and abuse.

Click here for steps to safely dispose of opioid and other prescription medications.