Time to Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet? Sequim Offers Free Drug Disposal Oct. 24
The nationwide event aims to prevent unused medications from being misused or accidentally ingested by children and others. Proper disposal also helps keep pharmaceuticals out of waterways.
By R.E. Carlino | The Sequim Post
Unused prescription medications can accumulate in bathroom cabinets and kitchen drawers, sometimes long after they're needed. On Saturday, October 24, Sequim residents will have an opportunity to dispose of them safely and anonymously.
The Sequim Police Department will participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration's 31st National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, accepting unwanted medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 152 W. Cedar St.
The free event accepts expired and unused prescription medications, including controlled substances, as well as over-the-counter medicines. Vaping pens may also be dropped off if their internal batteries have been removed. Syringes and medical waste will not be accepted.
The nationwide event aims to prevent unused medications from being misused or accidentally ingested by children and others. Proper disposal also helps keep pharmaceuticals out of waterways.
According to the DEA, Americans have turned in more than 20 million pounds of medications through its take-back program since 2010.
You Don't Have to Wait for Take-Back Day
Sequim residents can dispose of unwanted prescription medications throughout the year at the Police Department's secure collection receptacle, available during regular office hours, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rules for the permanent receptacle differ somewhat from those for the October 24 event.
Washington also operates a statewide Safe Medication Return program, offering free collection locations and prepaid mail-back packages. The program covers household prescription and over-the-counter medications, including medications for pets.
Residents can find collection locations or request mail-back supplies at medtakebackwashington.org or by calling 844-482-5322.
The North Olympic Library System's Sequim branch, Olympic Medical Center and Jamestown Family Health Clinic are also listed as medication mail-back package pickup locations.
Residents should remove or obscure personal information on prescription labels before returning medications.
For questions about the October 24 event, contact the Sequim Police Department at 360-683-7227.
