From Thurston County Public Health and Social Services:
“Ever wonder what to do with those old vitamins or that prescription you no longer need?

Law enforcement offices throughout Thurston County will accept your unwanted medications for free.

Group Health also accepts medications but cannot take controlled substances.

Locations and hours are listed at www.co.thurston.wa.us/solidwaste/publications/medicine-return.pdf

Only 17 of 39 counties in the state have take-back programs available. Many of those are in jeopardy due to a lack of local funding.

Currently, our state legislators are deciding on a bill that will provide a statewide collection program, funded by the manufacturers.

A similar and very successful program is in place in Vancouver BC, which has not caused an increase in drug prices to consumers.

It is estimated the Washington program would cost manufacturers two pennies per $32 prescription.”

From Thurston County Publications:
“Visit www.TakeBackYourMeds.org to find locations in other counties, including Lewis, Mason, and Pierce.”

From KOMO-TV 4 News in Seattle:
“More than 11-hundred pounds of prescription medication was collected in the Thurston County Court House drop box in 2011.

The Prescription Drop Box Program began in 2010 as a partnership between the Thurston County Public Health and Social Services, the Department of Ecology and the Thurston County Sheriffs Office.

Yelm, Tenino, Tumwater and Lacey Police departments have all joined the partnership.

The goal of the program is to keep expired and unused prescription drugs out of the hands of people who would abuse them.”