Safe medication return

Have old medications you no longer need? Safely dispose of it by taking your medication to drop-boxes located throughout Kitsap County. Participating pharmacies, clinics, hospitals and law enforcement offices have medication drop-boxes available. This service is free to use.

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Safe Medication Return is for household medication only. If you are a business, visit the Department of Ecology to learn how to safely dispose of pharmaceutical waste.

Why should I use safe medication return?

Unused, unwanted, or expired medication in your home can be a risk to you, your family, and your community.  

• Substance use: The home medicine cabinet is one of the most common places people go when looking to use substances. 

• Accidental poisoning: Young children can be poisoned by accidentally eating medications.

• Pollution: Medication pollutes our water and soil when it's flushed down the toilet or thrown into the garbage.

What medications are accepted?

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

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• Prescription medications. (Including controlled substances like OxyContin and Ritalin, pre-filled injectors like epi-pens, and inhalers.)
  

• Over-the-counter medications (non-prescription medications). 
  

• Household pet medications.

What medications are not accepted?

Kiosks, mailers, and take-back events DO NOT accept: 

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• Used (uncapped) medical needles and sharps

• Vitamins, minerals, and supplements

• Homeopathic and herbal-based remedies

• Cosmetics, shampoo, toothpaste, or sunscreen

• Empty injectors, empty inhalers, and medical devices that do not contain medication

• Livestock medication

• Pet pesticide products

• Illegal drugs (contact law enforcement for assistance)

• Business-generated pharmaceutical waste

I have medical sharps (needles) at home. How do I get rid of them?

You can place them in a puncture-proof plastic container and drop them off at Kitsap Public Health District for free disposal. Please label your container "sharps-biohazard" before dropping it off.

You can find other needle drop-off sites at Kitsap.gov. Sharps are not allowed in garbage or recycling containers in Kitsap County.

If you find a sharp at a park or other public place, please let us know where it is so we can remove it.

If you're a business that generates sharps, please contact a permitted medical waste collection company.

Helpful resource