NOW IN KITSAP! A SAFE & CONVENIENT WAY TO DISPOSE OF UNWANTED MEDICINES
Kitsap County residents can safely dispose of the medicines they no longer need by taking them to drop-boxes located throughout Kitsap County. Participating pharmacies, clinics, hospitals and law enforcement offices will accept most prescription and over-the-counter medicines for disposal.
This program is managed by the Washington State Department of Health. Please visit their Safe Medication Return webpage for more information.
Safe Medication Return is for household medication. You may not use it to dispose of business-generated pharmaceutical waste. If you are a business, please visit the Department of Ecology Pharmaceutical Waste website for more information.
Locations of Kiosks in Kitsap County
Request a mail-back envelope
What medications are accepted?
This program is for household prescription and over the counter medications
This includes household:
- prescription medications including controlled substances such as OxyContin and Ritalin, pre-filled injectors like epi-pens and pre-filled syringes, and inhalers.
- over-the-counter medications (non-prescription medications).
- prescription and over-the-counter medications for household pets.
Medicines NOT Accepted
Kiosks, mailers, and take-back events cannot accept:
- business generated pharmaceutical waste.
- vitamins, minerals, and supplements.
- homeopathic and herbal-based remedies.
- cosmetics, shampoo, toothpaste, and sunscreen.
- empty injectors, empty inhalers, and medical devices that do not contain medication.
- livestock medication.
- pet pesticide products.
- illicit or illegal drugs (contact your local law enforcement agency for disposal assistance. In many areas you can do this by calling 311).
What do I do with used or unwanted medical sharps?
State and local laws prohibit placing loose sharps in your trash. Sharps thrown into the trash can hurt people or be used illegally. Many pharmacies sell sharps containers and accept properly contained sharps for a small fee. Visit the Kitsap County Solid Waste web page for local disposal locations. Watch this quick tutorial for tips on properly disposing sharps.
If you find a sharp at a park or other public place, please contact us.
Why should I use secure medicine return?
Unused, unwanted and/or expired medication in your home pose a risk to you, your family, and your community.
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Drug abuse.
The home medicine cabinet is one of the most common places people go when looking for drugs to get high.
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Accidental Poisoning.
Many young children get poisoned by taking medicine not intended for them.
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Bad for the environment.
When you flush medicine down the toilet or throw it in the trash, it pollutes our water and soil.