Hoquiam, WA - On Saturday, October 29th, 2011, the Hoquiam Police Department in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will be hosting a collection site for the National Take Back Initiative.
This program is designed to assist those who wish to dispose of unused/unwanted Pharmaceutical Drugs. Controlled, non-controlled, and over the counter substances will be collected. This program is anonymous and no questions or identification will be requested by law enforcement. Participants may dispose of medication in its original container or my remove the medication from its original container and place them in a disposal box provided at the site.
The first of these programs took place in September of 2009, Hoquiam Police Chief Jeff Meyers tells KBKW their drop site collected 89 pounds of unwanted pharmaceuticals in four hours, however Meyers said "Currently there is no mechanism to return controlled substances or prescription medications other than to law enforcement, we're the only ones who can legally collect it."
Intra-venous solutions, injectibles, syringes, or medical waste WILL NOT be accepted due to potential hazard posed by blood-borne pathogens.
Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not part of the initiative.
The Hoquiam site will be located at the front entrance to the HPD building and will be open from 10am till 2pm.
