Disposal of Medications
Benton-Franklin Health District (BFHD), in partnership with Washington State's Safe Medication Return Drop Off program, is supplying the community with free packaging to help residents safely mail-back unused meds (pills, unused syringes and inhalers) at no charge.
The State of Washington contracted with the MED-Project to administer the safe collection and proper disposal of medications since 2018, when WA House Bill 1047 became law. The goal of HB 1047 is to reduce drug poisonings by creating a single, uniform, statewide system for safe and secure collection.
Two ways to dispose of unused medications:
- #1: Pick up free packaging at BFHD to privately dispose of your meds at home (please do NOT bring unwanted or unused medicines to the BFHD office, we are NOT an authorized drop-off site). You mail-in envelopes will also include instructions on packaging and mailing your unused medications.
- #2: Visit a drop-off kiosk in your neighborhood found at pharmacies or law enforcement agencies. Using your zip code, you can find KIOSKs in your community through the Safe Medication Return Drop Off finder.
Kiosks, mailers, and take-back events cannot accept:
- Business generated pharmaceutical waste.
- Vitamins, minerals, and supplements.
- Homeopathic and herbal-based remedies.
- Cosmetics, shampoo, toothpaste, and sunscreen.
- Empty injectors, empty inhalers, and medical devices that do not contain medication.
- Livestock medication.
- Pet pesticide products.
- Illicit or illegal drugs (contact your local law enforcement agency for disposal assistance).
Keeping Meds Safe
It is essential for patients to take medicine as prescribed by their health care provider or as directed on the label or packaging. It is crucial to store medicines securely to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse by others, especially children. Do not place medications in the trash or recycling; never flush them down the toilet.
BFHD is not equipped to dispose of the community’s used syringes. A used syringe, or syringe and needle no longer containing medicine, is considered dangerous. It is important to follow your waste collectors’ policies regarding used syringes. BFHD’s website has additional information about used syringe disposal; visit here: Syringe Disposal - Benton Franklin Health District (wa.gov).
Additional Resources:
Syringe Disposal
If you have a medical condition that requires you to use sharps and needles and need to dispose them, contact your local Waste Collection Company (WCC). If you do not know who your WCC is, check your utility billing statement.
WCC in Benton & Franklin Counties:
- Basin Disposal: 509.547.2476
- City of Richland: 509.942.7498
- Ed’s Disposal: 509.547.2476
- Sanitary Disposal: 541.567.8842
- Waste Management: 509.586.7555
Medical Facilities and Businesses
Business that generate a large amount of sharps waste should contact a disposal company (see list below) who will provide proper packaging, pick-up and disposal. Small businesses can contact on-line sharps mail order disposal companies on the internet. These companies will provide disposal containers and allow you to dispose via mail for a fee.
Stericycle 331.300.3238
Waste Management Medical Waste 509.582.5121
Problems/Questions:
Contact: Jasleen Kaur at Benton-Franklin Health District 509.460.4266
Additional Resources: