Jefferson and Clallam County residents can dispose of unused, unwanted or expired prescription or over-the-counter medications during the nationwide Drug Take Back Day on Saturday.
The service is free and anonymous — with no questions asked.
Drop-off locations
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., drugs can be dropped off at these sites:
• Quality Food Center’s parking lot, 1890 Irondale Road, Port Hadlock.
• Sequim Police Department, Sequim Civic Center, 152 W. Cedar St., Sequim.
• Clallam County Sheriff’s Office, Clallam County Courthouse, 223 E. Fourth St., Port Angeles.
• Chinook Pharmacy, 11 S. Forks Ave., Forks.
Personnel from the Sequim and Port Angeles police departments, Clallam and Jefferson County sheriff’s offices, and Jefferson County Public Health will be on hand to collect the drugs.
Items not accepted include intravenous solutions, injectables, syringes, chemotherapy medications, medical waste, patches, needles or sharps.
Individuals also can dispose of drugs and medications at the Sequim Police Department in the Civic Center and at the Sheriff’s Office in the county courthouse during their regular business hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays — excluding holidays.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, 790 Elkins Way, also accepts drop-offs between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
What won’t be accepted
Authorities say they will not accept vitamins and ask that all medications be securely packaged to prevent spills.
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs, according to a news release.
Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet, according to the release.
Drugs that are flushed down the drain or put in garbage containers can be very harmful to humans, animals and the environment, according to the release.
For more information, call Sequim police at 360-683-7227, the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office at 360-417-2262, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 360-385-3831 or Jefferson County Public Health at 360-385-9400.
