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  Unwanted and unused
prescription medications are a problem; they can pose
health risks as a result of accidental poisonings or
intentional misuse, as well as environmental risks if
they make their way into the environment.
Removing these medications from the home eliminates the
possibility of them getting into the wrong hands, thereby
reducing the risks of accidental poisonings and prescription
drug abuse. Also, taking the time to dispose of medications
through the public collection network means that unwanted
medications won’t end up down the drain. Septic systems and
even the wastewater treatment system (sewer) are not
designed to, nor are they capable of, removing all
medications from treated wastewater. Levels of some
medications are virtually unchanged after treatment, meaning
that these drugs enter the environment through discharges or
land application (biosolids). Evidence is mounting that
indicates that medications in our waterways are affecting
aquatic organisms.
To make disposing of these medications easy and
convenient for county residents, Thurston County Public
Health & Social Services in cooperation with the Washington
State Department of Ecology, the Thurston County Sheriff’s
office, and local police departments have teamed
up to provide a number of convenient drop-off locations for
used medications.
Please note: none of the locations listed accept sharps
(needles), thermometers, bloody or infectious wastes,
or wastes from medical businesses. If you use sharps,
learn how to dispose of them safely.
Also, please keep in mind that the drop boxes are
designed for collection of prescription medications
only. Please take items like shampoos, lotions, vitamins
and over the counter medications to
HazoHouse for disposal.
The following sites accept prescription
medications, including controlled substances*, prescription samples, pet medications, medicated ointments or
lotions, inhalers and liquid medications in leak
proof containers.
Lacey Police
Department
420 College St SE
Lacey, WA 98503
360-459-4333
▪ Open 7 days a week, 24
hours a day |
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Thurston County
Sheriff
2000 Lakeridge Dr SW, Bldg 3
Olympia, WA 98502
360-867-2664
▪ Open 7 days a week, 24
hours a day |
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City of Tenino
358 McClellan St S
Tenino, WA 98589
360-264-2626
▪ Open Monday through
Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
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Tumwater Police
Department
555 Israel Rd
Tumwater, WA 98501
360-754-5855
▪ Open Monday through
Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
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Yelm Police
Department
206 McKenzie Ave SE
Yelm, WA 98597
360-458-5701
▪ Open Monday through
Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
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Rainier City Hall
102 Rochester Street W
Rainier, WA 98576
360-446-2265
▪ Open Monday through
Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
Please note: Group Health Cooperative no longer accepts unwanted medications.
Last Resort
If you are unable to make it to one
of our 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:
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1. |
Take your prescription drugs out of their
original containers. |
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2. |
Mix drugs with an undesirable substance, such as
cat litter or used coffee grounds. |
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3. |
Put the mixture into a disposable container with
a lid, such as an empty margarine tub, or a
sealable bag. |
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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. |
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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.
*Controlled substances are regulated by state and federal
laws designed to prevent addiction, abuse, physical
and mental harm, and illegal trafficking thereof. Such
drugs may be illegal for sale or use, with the exception of
those dispensed under a physician's prescription for use
only by the intended person.
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