Medicine Disposal

Unused, unwanted and expired medicines in your home pose a risk to you, your family and your community. Accidental poisonings and overdoses are the leading cause of injury death in Snohomish County. Improper disposal of medicine - such as putting medicines in the garbage or flushing pills down the toilet - puts other people and our environment at risk.

To learn more about the process that went into the pharmaceutical stewardship ordinance approved by the Board of Health, please visit our Pharmaceutical Stewardship page.

MED-Project Program

Snohomish County residents now have additional options for returning unwanted or expired pharmaceuticals, operated by the MED-Project Pharmaceutical Stewardship Program.

Med-Project Medication Education and Disposal

Accepted Medication

MED-Project kiosks accept medicines sold in any form, prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, controlled substances, and pet medications.

Medication Not Accepted

  • Aerosols
  • Compressed cylinders
  • Cosmetics
  • Herbal remedies
  • Illicit drugs
  • Inhalers
  • Iodine-containing medications
  • Medical devices
  • Personal care products
  • Pet pesticide products
  • Pharmaceutical wastes
  • Sharps
  • Supplements
  • Vitamins

Additional Information

Visit MED-Project for more information about this program.

Drop-off kiosk locations

For a complete list of locations, hours and addresses, visit MED-Project or call 844-MED-PROJ or 844-633-7765.

If you are an eligible [SC1] [HT2] collection site interested in participating, call 844-677-6532 or email Snohomish County.

Mail-back envelopes

Mail-back envelopes are available to homebound residents upon request. Visit MED-Project or call 844-633-7765 to submit a request.

Disposing of used needles or sharps

Any type of sharp medical instrument that comes into contact with blood or other body fluids is considered a sharp and has the potential to spread infection. This includes any hypodermic needle, syringes with the needles attached, lancets and scalpel blades.

State and local laws prohibit placing loose sharps in your trash. If you use syringes to treat diabetes, allergies or other medical conditions, the loose syringes you throw in your trash can hurt people or be used illegally. Many pharmacies (PDF) sell sharps containers and accept properly contained used sharps, usually for a fee.