Secure Medicine Return

Whatcom Med Return logo
Visit www.whatcommedreturn.org to learn how you can safely dispose of old or unwanted medicine in Whatcom County.

Return kiosks have been installed at convenient drop-off locations throughout Whatcom County. For a complete list of drop-off locations, visit www.whatcommedreturn.org. 

If you can’t get to a drop-off location, you can pick up a free mailer to return your medications. Mailers are available at most libraries in Whatcom County or by requesting one from MED-Project.

Secure Medicine Return diagram

Secure medicine return programs are a way for consumers to dispose of leftover, unwanted or unused medicines in a safe and environmentally-sound way. They benefit our community by:

  • Helping to prevent drug abuse.
  • Reducing the risk for poisoning through accidental drug misuse.
  • Reducing pollution from waste medicines that are disposed of improperly.

Who manages secure medicine return in Whatcom County?

Whatcom County requires pharmaceutical producers – the companies that manufacture prescription and over-the-counter medicines – to provide the secure medicine return system at no cost to community members. MED-Project, an independent organization, runs the secure medicine return program in Whatcom County. The health department provides oversight and monitors the program.

An ordinance to adopt a secure medicine return regulation was approved by the Whatcom County Council, acting as the Health Board, on December 5, 2017. The regulation:

  • Expands the types of medicine disposal options for Whatcom County residents.
  • Improves convenience for residents by increasing the number of locations where people can drop off their unused medicines.
  • Ensures financial sustainability of the program through a drug manufacturer-financed system.

Additional Information

  1. Whatcom County Secure Medicine Return - MED-Project Proposed Plan _6.1.18
  2. Secure Medicine Return FAQs
  3. Secure Medicine Return Information for Pharmacies
  4. Secure Medicine Return Proposed Policy Overview