Clark County residents can safely dispose of all medications at four free collection events held this month in Vancouver and La Center.
All events will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sat., April 25, at:
• Clark College, Purple Lot 1, 1800 Fort Vancouver Way
•Kaiser Permanente-Cascade Park, 12607 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd.
•Kaiser Permanente-Salmon Creek, 14406 N.E. 20th Ave.
•La Center City Hall, 214 E. Fourth St.
Similar events collected more than 2,400 pounds of medications from more than 1,250 participants last year.
The April 25 collection events are sponsored by a community partnership that includes the Clark County Sheriff's Office, Clark County Environmental Services, La Center Police Department, Vancouver Police Department, PREVENT! Coalition of Clark County, Kaiser Permanente, Clark College, La Center United, Prevent Together, PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, Burgerville and Unite! Washougal Community Coalition.
Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem. The 2010 Washington State Healthy Survey found that one in 10 high school seniors admitted misusing prescription drugs. More than 70 percent of youths who abuse prescription drugs get them from someone they know.
Proper drug disposal also is an environmental issue. Unused medications should not be flushed down the toilet or dumped down the drain.
“We hope these four events will build on the successful ones in 2014,” said Don Benton, Environmental Services director. “They provide an easy and free way to do what’s right for our youth and the environment by safely disposing of unused or outdated medicine.”
Unwanted medications also can be disposed of at several collection sites across Clark County. Controlled substances, such as painkillers and tranquilizers, can be taken to participating law enforcement agencies. Non-controlled substances, such as over-the-counter medications, can be taken to local participating pharmacies.
All unwanted medications – controlled and non-controlled – will be accepted at the April 25 events.
For more information on both types of disposal, visit Medications at RecyclingA-Z.com.
For more information about other disposal or recycling options, visit RecyclingA-Z.com or call Clark County Environmental Services at (360) 397-2121 ext. 4352.
