Group Health members can discard unwanted and expired medications at most Group Health pharmacies. This program gives patients a secure and environmentally sound way to get rid of unneeded medications. See Group Health Pharmacies for a list of participating Group Health pharmacies in Washington state.

This program provides an alternative to tossing unwanted medications down the drain, toilet, or in the garbage, where they end up in waterways and landfills. The pharmaceutical waste will be incinerated.

General Instructions

1.	Gather your unwanted medications and other approved items (see list below). Leave the items in the original containers. If you wish, mark out any personal information on the container.
2.	Take the items to one of the disposal locations during regular pharmacy hours. The blue metal disposal unit is in the pharmacy's customer service waiting area and resembles a postal box. If you have questions, ask the pharmacy staff.

What You Can and Can't Dispose

Yes, you may discard these items:

•	Prescription medications (except narcotics)
•	Over-the-counter medications
•	Medication samples
•	Veterinary medications
•	Vitamins
•	Medicated ointments and lotions
•	Inhalers
•	Liquid medication in glass or leak-proof containers

Participating agencies in this effort include the Washington State Department of Ecology, Citizens for Resource Conservation, King and Snohomish counties' public health departments, and the Group Health Community Foundation.

If you live in Washington state and there isn't a medication disposal site near you, call the Washington Department of Ecology's toll-free resource line at 1-800-RECYCLE to learn how you can dispose of medications.