Local medication take-back laws in Washington are working to help address the opioid crisis and prevent poisonings, suicides, and overdoses. In Washington State, King and Snohomish Counties have implemented successful programs, and efforts are being made to expand the programs statewide.
The pharmaceutical industry is providing a DEA-compliant drug take-back program for safe collection and disposal of household medicines in several counties, with convenient medicine drop boxes in drug stores, grocery stores, medical centers, and police stations.
WATCH: this video from the Association of Washington Cities.
(In the interest of full disclosure, Brenda Stuvek from ADAI volunteered to help with the video, demonstrating the take-back boxes -- she's the one in the purple sweater! Thanks, Brenda, for helping to bring attention to this public health effort!)