Prescription and over-the-counter drugs are causing a new environmental concern. Residues of birth control pills, antidepressants, painkillers and other drugs are being found in trace amounts in waterways around the country. The chemicals end up in water systems after traveling through sewage treatment plants or septic systems.
So far, there’s no evidence that the amounts found in water are harmful to humans. At the same time, the effects of exposure are unknown, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
Just say "no" to flushing drugs
Drugs can enter the water supply in two ways: by human excretion or by flushing them down the drain or toilet. Instead of flushing your unwanted medications, drop them off at facilities that can either safely dispose or reuse them.
To discourage flushing, Clark County has initiated a free take-back program for unwanted medications. The program allows Clark County residents to drop off unwanted or outdated medications (except controlled substances) at participating pharmacies. According to the New York Times, 80 percent of Clark County’s pharmacies participate in the program.
Controlled substances can be returned to some local police stations and sheriff’s precincts. All medications must be in their original, sealed containers and have all patient information removed or marked out. For more information about how to properly dispose of medications, used syringes or mercury thermometers, contact Clark County Environmental Services at 360.397.6118 ext. 4352.
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| Medication Disposal Locations |
Organization |
Medications Accepted |
Address |
Collection Hours |
Camas Police Department |
Controlled substances* |
2100 NE 3rd Ave.
Camas, WA |
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
La Center Police Department |
Controlled substances* |
214 E 4th St.
La Center, WA |
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
Clark County Sheriff’s West Precinct |
Controlled substances* |
505 NW 179th St.
Vancouver, WA |
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
Clark County Sheriff’s Central Precinct |
Controlled substances* |
11608 NE 149th St.
Brush Prairie, WA |
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
Central Transfer and Recycling Center |
Unwanted medications (except controlled substances) |
11034 NE 117th Ave.
Vancouver, WA |
Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
West Van Materials Recover Center |
Unwanted medications (except controlled substances) |
6601 NW Old Lower River Rd.
Vancouver, WA |
Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
Participating pharmacies |
Unwanted medications (except controlled substances) |
Various locations |
Various hours |
Philip Services Corporation |
Unwanted medications (except controlled substances) |
625 S. 32nd St.
Washougal, WA |
First Tuesday of each month, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. |
| Medication Donation Locations |
Free Clinic of Southwest Washington |
Unopened medications in original packaging and bubble packs** |
4100 Plomondon St.
Vancouver, WA |
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; call first at 360.313.1390 |
The Starfish Project |
Unused antiretroviral (ARV) medications, used for the treatment of infection by retroviruses, primarily HIV |
New York-Presbyterian Hospital
119 West 24th Street
New York, NY 10011 |
Visit website for more information |
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* Examples are pain killers and tranquilizers. Controlled substances must be in their original, sealed containers and have all patient information removed or marked out.
** Unused, unopened medications that are still in date. No birth control, mental health medication, controlled substances or IV medications.
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