Clark County residents can safely dispose of all medications at four free collection events held this month in Vancouver and Battle Ground.
At the same time, they are urged to donate non-perishable food to help families in need this fall.
All events will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sat., Sept. 27, 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.
• Battle Ground Police Department, 507 S.W. First St.
Similar events collected more than 1,100 pounds of medications from more than 500 participants last spring.
The Sept. 27 collection events are sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and a community partnership including Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Clark County Environmental Services, Battle Ground Police Department, Vancouver Police Department, PREVENT! The Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Clark County and Battle Ground, Kaiser Permanente, Clark College, Clark County Strong Teens Against Substance Hazards and Abuse, Southwest Washington Pharmacy Association and Clark County Food Bank.
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 held last spring,” said Don Benton, Clark County Environmental Services director. “Please do what’s right for our youth and our environment by taking advantage of these free collections to safely dispose of unused or outdated medicine.”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 Sept. 27 events.
For more information on both types of disposal, visit “Medications” at www.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.
