Medication and Needle Disposal

  1. Safe Medication Storage and Disposal
  2. Safe Needle Disposal

Safe Medication Storage and Disposal

Too often, unused prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands. That's dangerous and often tragic. That's why it is important to clean out your medicine cabinet and safely and anonymously turn in prescription drugs.


How to Safely Store Medications

  • Take medications only as prescribed. Never give them away or share them with others.
  • Follow storage instructions on medication labels. 
  • Keep medications away from people or pets.
  • Dispose of medications that are expired or unused immediately and safely.

 

How to Safely Dispose of Medications

  • Do not place medications in the trash or recycling, and never flush them down the toilet. 
  • Find a medication disposal kiosk near you:
    • Visit the Cowlitz County Health & Human Services medication disposal kiosk in our lobby at 1952 9th Avenue in Longview.  
      • The kiosk is accessible during business hours, Monday-Friday 830am-noon and 1-430pm. 
      • Medications are accepted in their original container or a sealed bag.
      • The kiosk will not accept herbal remedies, vitamins, medical devices, thermometers, sharps, illicit drugs, and pet-pesticide products.
      • *To protect your privacy, be sure to remove all personal information on labels or packaging before disposing of medications. 
    • View the Cowlitz County Solid Waste Disposal map
    • Visit the Washington State Safe Medication Return website 
  • Use a mail-back service
  • Find a take-back event
Safe Medication Return 4 Steps - Brochure Opens in new windowSafe Medication Return 4 Steps - Flyer Opens in new window