In an effort to decrease the risk of drug abuse, overdose and preventable poisonings, King County has installed drop-boxes around our region for disposal of medicines no longer needed, under the Secure Medicine Return Program.
This is a robust, safe drug surrender system aimed at removing from access and accident any and all prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Drug overdoses have surpassed car crashes as a leading cause of preventable death in King County, and unused, expired and leftover drugs increase the risk of more deaths. Flushing such medications down the toilets, pouring them out in the sinks, or throwing them in the trash ultimately poisons our environment.
The Secure Medicine Return Program provides residents with a free way to remove drugs from our homes. King County has installed 99 drop boxes, funded by 410 drug companies that sell medicines in our region. In addition to drop boxes (locations are on the King County website,) participating pharmacies, clinics, hospitals, and law enforcement offices will accept most prescription and over-the-counter medicines for disposal. In addition, mail-back envelopes are available for the homebound and those with otherwise limited mobility.
Find more information on the King County Secure Medicine Return Program website.