LONGVIEW, Washington — People can safely get rid of their unwanted, unused or expired medication for free at a new medication disposal kiosk located at the Cowlitz County Health and Human Services building in Longview.
The medication disposal kiosk will join others in the county setup through the state’s Safe Medication Return Program. The program is operated by MED-Project and gives people free and safe options to dispose of their medication.
“We know most opioid misuse starts by people taking medication that wasn’t prescribed to them. In Cowlitz County, about 75% of youth who reported ever having used painkillers to get high said they did not use their own prescription to get the medication,” said Carole Harrison, Cowlitz County Health and Human Services director.
“By safely disposing of your unwanted, unused or expired medication, you are doing your part to keep your loved ones and the community safe,” Harrison said.
Cowlitz County Health and Human Services’ medication disposal kiosk is located at 1952 9th Ave. Longview, WA 98632. It will remain open in the lobby year-round during business hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-noon & 1-4:30pm.
Unwanted, unused or expired medication can also be disposed of for free by mail at locations designated by MED-Project. To request a pre-paid envelope from MED-Project, visit its mail-back webpage or call 1 (844) 633-7765.
Cowlitz County Health and Human Services is not a designated mail-back location and will not accept medication delivered by mail.
Prescription and over-the-counter medications, controlled substances (such as OxyContin, Ritalin) and pet medications are accepted in their original container or a sealed bag. Not accepted are herbal remedies, vitamins, supplements, cosmetics, personal care products, aerosols, pet pesticide products, exposed sharps, illicit drugs and medicines from businesses.
People should remove all personally-identifiable information on medication labels or packaging before they dispose of their medication. If they transfer medication to a sealed bag, they are encouraged to recycle any remaining packaging.
All medication collected through the state’s Safe Medication Return Program is destroyed at waste facilities that meet state and federal disposal regulations. The program is funded by drug manufacturers at no cost to taxpayers.
For more information about the Safe Medication Return Program, visit the state’s website. To find a medication disposal kiosk near you, use MED-Project’s search tool.
Contact Cowlitz County Health and Human Services by phone: (360) 414-5599 or email: AskCowlitzHealth@co.cowlitz.wa.us if you have questions about how to dispose of medication at its new disposal kiosk.
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| Contact: |
Stefanie Donahue
Communications Manager
(360) 414-5599, ext. 6451
donahues@co.cowlitz.wa.us |
| Release #: 21-026 |