Kenmore sets up permanent prescription drop box

Kenmore drop box

Residents of Kenmore now have a free and easy way to properly dispose of their prescription drugs. The City of Kenmore has installed a prescription drug drop box in the lobby of City Hall, 18120 68th Ave NE. Turning in expired or unused prescription drugs for disposal is the only secure and environmentally sound way to dispose of leftover medicines. Residents may drop off medication Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding holidays, no questions asked. We are unable to accept needles, fluids or inhalers.

Protect our kids, families, and environment. Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue, leading to accidental poisoning, overdose, and abuse. Prescription drug abuse is the fastest-growing drug problem in the country. In Washington State, 11 percent of teens use prescription drugs for non-medical reasons – a rate among the highest in the nation. Over half of teens abusing prescription drugs get them from a family member or friend, often without their knowledge.

Unwanted prescription drugs left in the home endanger our children, seniors and pets. Over half of the 37,000 calls to the Washington Poison Center in 2009 were for young children poisoned by medicines found at home. The elderly are also at risk of accidental poisonings and human medications are the leading cause of pet poisoning.

It’s important to properly dispose of drugs. Unused prescription drugs thrown in the trash can be retrieved and abused or illegally sold. Unused drugs that are flushed contaminate the water supply. Proper disposal of unused drugs saves lives and protects the environment.

For questions, contact the City at 425-398-8900.