Safe Medication Disposal & Storage
Proper storage and disposal help prevent accidental poisonings, misuse, and environmental harm. Below is a simple, community-friendly guide with local options and downloadable flyers.
Drop Off at Local Boxes (No questions asked)
Drop-off is free and confidential — just bring your unused or expired medications and drop them in the approved box.
Locations
- Quincy Police Department
223 1st Ave SW, Quincy, WA 98848 - Quincy Community Health Center
1450 1st Ave SW, Quincy, WA 98848 - Quincy Valley Medical Center
908 10th Ave SW, Quincy, WA 98848
National Drug Take Back Days: April & October each year. More locations:
Take Back Meds Washington.
Accepted & Not Accepted
Accepted
Medications in any dosage form, except for those identified as not accepted, in their original container or sealed bag.
Not Accepted
- Herbal remedies and homeopathic drugs
- Vitamins, minerals, or supplements
- Cosmetics, shampoos, sunscreens, lip balm, toothpaste, antiperspirants, or other personal care products
- Biological drug products
- Drugs administered in a clinical setting
- Emptied injector products or emptied medical devices
- Exposed needles or sharps
- Pet pesticide products
- Batteries
- Mercury-containing thermometers
- Illicit drugs
Quick Tips
- Drop off items sealed in their original containers if possible.
- No questions will be asked, just drop them in the approved box and go.
- Remove personal information from labels before dropping off for extra privacy.
Mail-Back Bags
Mail-back bags let you safely send unused prescription medications from home to licensed disposal facilities. Bags are pre-addressed and provided at no cost.
What they accept
- Pills, capsules, tablets
- Sealed liquids (when accepted by the mailer; check instructions)
- Patches, inhalers, and auto-injectors (confirm per mailer instructions)
Do not use mail-back bags for: sharps/needles, herbal remedies, vitamins, supplements, cosmetics, empty medical devices, illegal drugs, or pet pesticide products.
How to order
- Order online: safemedicinedrop.com (up to 3 mailers per request)
- Call for help: 844-4-TAKE-BACK (844-482-5322)
Privacy tip: remove or obscure personal information from prescription labels before mailing.
Visual
Example of a mail-back bag — follow instructions carefully when packing your medications.
Sharps & Needle Disposal
Sharps are NOT accepted at medication drop-off boxes or through standard mail-back bags.
Grant County recommended method for home disposal of sharps:
- Place sharps in a strong, puncture-resistant container (for example: a household laundry detergent or bleach bottle).
- Seal the container securely with duct tape.
- Label the container: DO NOT RECYCLE.
- Place the sealed container in your household trash (not the recycling bin).
How to: Quick Steps
- Sort: Gather medications and set aside expired or unused items.
- Store: Lock up medicines you keep for daily use.
- Dispose: Use a local drop box or order a mail-back bag.
- Special items: Follow sharps instructions — do not put sharps in mail-back bags or drop boxes.
- Share: Tell family and neighbors about safe disposal options.
Recommended Locking Bags & Boxes
Keep medications secure at home. Some may be available for free through our programs. If not, these are reliable purchase options:
Resources
The Start With One Rx campaign by the Washington State Health Care Authority helps families prevent prescription drug misuse. Learn practical steps for safe storage, responsible use, and proper disposal of medications.
Questions?
If you have any questions about safe medication storage, disposal, or mail-back bags, please contact our coalition coordinator:
Crystal Cruz
Quincy Partnership for Youth Coalition Coordinator
Phone: (509) 797-5242
Email: coordinator@quincypartnership.org
We’re happy to answer questions, provide resources, or help you find local drop boxes and mail-back bags.
Funding Provided By
