Safely Dispose Of Unused Medications At Oct. 24 Drug Take-Back Events (Photo) - 10/19/26

Community substance misuse prevention coalitions, law enforcement agencies, and community partners across Southwest Washington will host free drive-thru drug take-back events on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Residents of Clark, Klickitat and Cowlitz counties are encouraged to safely dispose of unused or expired medications at participating collection sites. These events offer a convenient way to remove unwanted medications from homes and help prevent prescription drug misuse, accidental poisonings and environmental contamination.

Drug Take-Back Locations

Community members may drop off medications at the following locations:

Clark County

• Battle Ground Police Department, 507 SW 1st St., Battle Ground
• Clark County Sheriff, La Center Precinct, 105 W. 5th St., La Center
• Ridgefield Police Department, 101 Mill St., Suite 110, Ridgefield
• Washougal Police Department, 1320 A St., Washougal

Klickitat County

• Klickitat County Courthouse, 205 S. Columbia St., Goldendale

Cowlitz County

• Walgreens, 2939 Ocean Beach Highway, Longview
• Walmart, 3715 Ocean Beach Highway, Longview

What to Bring

All participating locations will accept prescription and over-the-counter medications, including pills, liquids, and inhalers. Medications may be in their original containers or out of packaging. Vape pens and e-cigarettes will also be accepted if the batteries have been removed.

Sharps and syringes will not be accepted at any location.

The collection process is simple and convenient. Participants can remain in their vehicles while event staff collect medications via a drive-thru. There is no need to remove personal information from medication labels or packaging before dropping off items.

Safe Disposal Helps Protect Communities

Proper medication disposal is an important step in preventing substance misuse and reducing the risk of accidental poisonings. Unused medications left in homes can be accessed by children, pets or others for whom they were not prescribed.

“Most of us have medications in a cabinet that we no longer need, and it’s easy to forget about them,” said Claire Pearson-Walker, community prevention project coordinator at ESD 112. “Drug take-back events make it easy for people to clear out those medications and dispose of them safely. It’s a small action that can make a meaningful difference in our communities.”

Medications should never be flushed or thrown away, as they can contaminate water supplies and pose safety risks.

“Keeping unused medications out of the wrong hands is an important step in preventing substance misuse,” Pearson-Walker said. “By safely storing medications we still need and properly disposing of those we don’t, we can help protect young people, prevent accidental poisonings, and keep our communities safer.”

Year-Round Medication Disposal Options

Residents unable to attend the Oct. 24 event can still safely dispose of unwanted medications year-round. Visit www.medtakebackwashington.org to find convenient disposal locations or request free mail-back envelopes.

Residents can also learn how to securely store medications and protect loved ones by visiting www.LocksSaveLives.org.

The events are made possible by funding from the Clark County Opioid Abatement Council and the Washington State Health Care Authority's Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery.

About Prevent Coalition

Prevent Coalition, supported by ESD 112, works to prevent youth substance use and promote health and safety across Southwest Washington. Through education, collaboration and advocacy, Prevent empowers communities to build environments where young people can thrive. Learn more at www.preventcoalition.org.