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Kitsap Public Health District logo: a stick figure person that represents the "K" in Kitsap in a dark green-blue color.
The kitsap landscape at sunrise with houses dotting across the ground, forest and trees, and the mountain range and sky.

Our vision: A safe and healthy Kitsap County for all.

Secure Medicine Return

The Pollution Prevention Partnership is comprised of representatives from cities, counties, and health districts. Funding assistance is provided by the Department of Ecology and allows the program to provide free hands-on-assistance to Small Quantity Generators* (typically small businesses and organizations) who wish to improve their practices by reducing impacts to human health and the environment.

This is accomplished through technical assistance visits that are designed to reduce or eliminate hazardous waste and pollutants at the source. A local pollution prevention specialist will meet with your organization to evaluate current activities and practices. They will discuss concerns, observations, solutions, and work directly to help solve common challenges around dangerous wastes, stormwater, solid waste, and spill prevention. This collaborative process limits liability, reduces risk, and improves work environments.

If you would like to learn more about this program, contact your local specialist at 360-728-2235.

Our Pollution Prevention Specialists Can...

Review your spill prevention plans.

Help you locate recycling or disposal resources for hazardous waste.

Help you implement best management practices for stormwater.

Provide useful tools such as spill kits.

Explain hazardous waste regulations that apply to your business.

What's a Small Quantity Generator?

Most businesses in Washington generate some amount of hazardous waste. If your business is a Small Quantity Generator, there are special rules you need to follow. 

By Taking Steps to Prevent Pollution, You Can...

Avoid contamination of local streams and Puget Sound

Comply with regulations and avoid fines.

Increase efficiency and reduce cost.

Protect the health and safety of employees.

Reduce liablities.

Get recognized for your efforts.

Solid & Hazardous Waste

Waste Handling 
A to Z
Report a Problem
Schools
Secure Medicine Return
Disposing of Needles
Pollution Prevention Assistance

A Safe and 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. There is no cost to residents to use this service. 

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This program is managed by the Washington State Department of Health. Please visit their Safe Medication Return webpage for more information. 

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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. 

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Locations of kiosks in Kitsap County​

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Request a mail-back envelope


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. 

  • Accidental poisoning. Many young children get poisoned by taking medicine not intended for them. 

  • Bad for the environment. When you flush medicine down the toilet or throw it in the trash, it pollutes our water and soil. 


What Medications are Accepted?


This program is for household prescription and over the counter medications. This includes household: 

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  • 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. 


What Medications are Not Accepted?


Kiosks, mailers, and take-back events cannot accept: 

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  • 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. 

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