Law enforcement and Bartell Drugs plan to participate in National Drug Take-Back Day this Saturday, to allow people to get rid of unused, expired and unwanted medicine.
The concern is unintentional poisonings from people ingesting expired pills and other medicine. According to the Snohomish Health District, unintentional poisonings are at a record high in Snohomish County. Just two years ago, 150 people were poisoned from prescription medicine, more than triple the 46 reported in 2000.
“Unintentional poisonings frequently involve prescription drugs,” said Dr. Gary Goldbaum, health officer and director of the Snohomish Health District, in a news release. “They not only harm people but improperly discarded drugs can also harm the environment when they enter septic systems and household trash.”
Only law enforcement locations can accept controlled substances, such as Ativan and OxyContin. Leave all items in their original containers.
Police departments in the county have drop-boxes available from Monday to Friday year-round.
Where to take expired drugs
Arlington, 10 a.m. to noon, Arlington Police Department, 11 E. Third St., Arlington;
Edmonds, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Edmonds Police Department, 250 Fifth Ave. N., Edmonds;
Everett, 8 a.m. to noon, Everett Police Department North Precinct, 3002 Wetmore Ave., Everett;
Freeland, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Island County Sheriff South Precinct office, 5521 E. Harbor Road, Freeland;
Lake Stevens, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bartell Drugs, 621 Highway 9 NE, Lake Stevens;
Lynnwood, 8 a.m. to noon, Lynnwood Police Department, 19321 44th Ave. W., Lynnwood;
Lynnwood, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Home &About Home Care, 15121 Highway 99, Lynnwood;
Marysville, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Marysville Police Department, 1635 Grove St., Marysville;
Mill Creek, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Snohomish County Sheriff South Precinct, 15928 Mill Creek Blvd.;
Mountlake Terrace, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mountlake Terrace Police Department, 5906 232nd St. SW, Mountlake Terrace;
Snohomish, 8 a.m. to noon, Snohomish Police Department, 230 Maple Ave., Snohomish.
More info: www.snohd.org or call 425-388-3199.
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