Community substance misuse prevention coalitions, law enforcement agencies, and medical providers across Southwest Washington will host drive-through drug take-back events on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., providing residents a safe, free way to dispose of unused and expired medications.

Community members are encouraged to bring prescription and over-the-counter medications for proper disposal at any of the following locations:

Clark County locations:

  • Battle Ground Police Department, 507 SW 1st St., Battle Ground
  • La Center Police Department, 105 W 5th St., La Center
  • Ridgefield Police Department, 116 N Main Ave, Ridgefield
  • Washougal Police Department, 1320 A St., Washougal

Cowlitz County locations:

  • Ocean Beach Walmart, 3715 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview
  • Walgreens, 2939 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview

All sites will accept pills, liquids and inhalers. Medications do not need to be in their original packaging, and participants are not required to remove personal information from labels. Expired medications will be accepted.

Proper medication disposal is essential for preventing misuse, protecting the environment and reducing accidental poisonings.

“Take-back events are among the simplest and most effective ways our community can prevent prescription drug misuse before it begins,” said Mandy Feeks, Community Prevention Project Coordinator at ESD 112.

Health officials emphasize that medications should never be flushed or thrown in the trash, as they can contaminate water supplies and pose risks to children, pets and others.

“Many people don’t realize that most opioid misuse starts with medication obtained from friends or family,” Feeks said. “Safe storage and proper disposal are small actions that make a big difference in keeping our communities healthy and safe.”

Medicine take‐back events in Clark and Cowlitz Counties are funded in partnership by Washington State Health Care Authority, law enforcement, community organizations, and youth substance misuse prevention coalitions. For more info about the event, visit the Drug Take-Back website. If you’re unable to make it to the April 25 event, you can find year-round medicine disposal sites or order free envelopes to dispose of medicine by mail at www.medtakebackwashington.org. Protect loved ones by taking the pledge to lock your meds and learn about the benefits of storing medication in a locked location at www.LocksSaveLives.org.

About Prevent Coalition

Prevent Coalition, supported by ESD 112, works to prevent youth substance use and promote health and safety across Southwest Washington. Through education, collaboration, and advocacy, Prevent empowers communities to build environments where young people can thrive. Learn more at www.preventcoalition.org.