Medical Waste

Clallam County Environmental Health Services is excited to announce the launch of our new Secure Medicine Return program!Expired Meds

The United States Food and Drug Administration developed the Secure Medicine Return Program to encourage the proper disposal of medicines and help reduce harm from accidental exposure or intentional misuse after they are no longer needed. This program provides a safe and convenient method to dispose of unused and expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. Unused or expired medication left in the home can pose a risk to you, your family, and the environment.

Did you know that expired or unwanted medications in the home medicine cabinet can …

  • Provide opportunities for people to abuse drugs?
  • Be a source for children to accidentally poison themselves by taking medicine not intended for them?
  • Pollute water and soil when flushed or thrown in the trash?

PillsNot in the Trash

Secure Medicine Return Flow

Medicine Drop BoxSecure Medicine Return drop boxes are located across Clallam County.

There will be no fee for medication disposal charged at the point of collection.

Locations

  • Sequim: Police Department, Jamestown S'Klallam PD, Rite Aid, & QFC
  • Port Angeles:  Police Department, Sheriff's Office, Jim's Pharmacy, & Genoa Healthcare
  • Forks:  Police Department

Medicine MailThere are two mail-in Secure Medicine Return options besides the drop boxes:

  • Request an envelope be sent to your home
  • Pick up your envelope at one of four North Olympic Library System (NOLS) locations
    • Forks
    • Clallam Bay
    • Sequim
    • Port Angeles

Types of Medicines Included in the Secure Medicine Return Program

Accepted

  • Human and pet medications in any dosage form, except for those listed below, in their original container or sealed bag - this includes controlled substances
  • Inhalers
  • Pre-filled auto-injectables (such as EpiPens) are accepted via mail-back envelope only
  • To protect your privacy, please remove any labels with personal information

Not Accepted

  • Herbal remedies, vitamins, and supplements
  • Cosmetics or other personal care products
  • Pet pesticide products
  • Medical devices, batteries, or mercury-containing thermometers
  • Illicit drugs
  • No sharps!

Syringe Disposal

Syringes and sharps from household or pet use can be put in a sealable hard-sided plastic container, like a 2-liter bottle, labeled in large, preferably red print "Danger-Contains Sharps", and thrown in the garbage.