Free Household Pharmaceuticals Take Back

Do NOT flush or pour unwanted, unused or expired medications down the drain. Starting April 5th, 2010, local pharmacies in Bellingham will accept unwanted and expired household medications for free, secure and appropriate legal disposal. Funding from the US Environmental Protection Agency will cover costs associated with collection, disposal, and management of the program for two years.

Why collect medications?
• Flushed medications can get into our bay adversely affecting fish and aquatic wildlife.

Pharmaceuticals enter our wastewater from a variety of sources including flushing unused medications. A number of studies show evidence of impacts on aquatic life.  For example, some male fish have produced eggs when exposed to hormones.
•  Unwanted medicines can pose a risk to human health and safety.

Most accidental poisonings in WA are caused by the improper use of medications.

Cleaning out medicine cabinets means less risk of accidental misuse and exposure to children.
• Medications placed in the trash can leach into ground water.

What medications are accepted?
• Household prescriptions and samples
• Over the counter medications
• Medicine for pets
• Medicated ointments/lotions
• Vitamins
• Inhalers
• Unopened EpiPens

Controlled substances will not be accepted at this time. The White House Drug Policy provides specific guidance for proper disposal of controlled substances.

Participating Pharmacies:

Bring expired and unwanted medications to a participating pharmacy and show them to a pharmacist . The pharmacist will direct you to the collection bin.

Costco Pharmacy - 4299 Guide Meridian St.
Custom Rx Shoppe - 1313 E Maple St. #101
Fairhaven Market - 1401 12th St
Haggen Pharmacy, Barkley Village - 2900 Woburn St
Haggen Pharmacy, Meridian - 2814 Meridian
Hoagland Pharmacy - 2230 Yew St.