CLALLAM COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE   

NEW PUBLIC DRUG RECLAMATION PROGRAM 

Unused prescription drugs may be returned by the members of the public as part of a new program developed by Frick Drug in Sequim and Jim’s Pharmacy in Port Angeles in cooperation with the Washington State Board of Pharmacy and the Clallam County Sheriffs Department. The purpose of the program is to protect the environment and the public by preventing unused pharmaceutical chemicals from entering local drinking water tables, or treated water supplies in our area. The free program will collect from patients unwanted prescriptions, which will be destroyed in a licensed incinerator.  The program is being sponsored by participating local professional pharmacies as a public service. 

Drugs are categorized into two groups. Scheduled drugs (narcotics and other potentially habit forming medications) will be collected on store posted dates in a separate container by a commissioned officer of the Clallam County Sheriffs Department. All other prescription drugs will be collected daily, on a time-allotted basis, by licensed pharmacy personnel within the pharmacy area of the participating stores.  No drugs from doctor offices or health care facilities will be accepted. Individuals interested in participating can do so anonymously. 

All returned drugs will be inspected and separated by the person returning the drugs with the assistance of on-duty pharmacy technicians. The drugs will be then be placed in appropriate containers at the direction of the assisting licensed staff. All other drugs that can’t be processed at that time will be returned to the presenting party for later destruction. If scheduled drugs are not listed for that day, please check for future dates. In the few cases when staff is not allowed to accept certain medications under current law, additional information will be provided. The community program has been developed by local pharmacy owners Cy Frick and Joe Cammack, Olympic Medical Center pharmacist Jon Bernhoft, and Clallam County Sheriff Bill Benedict.  The Sheriff’s Department will provide scheduled drug collection, storage and final transportation for approved incineration. 

The protocol for the program has been developed over the past two years involving three levels in Washington State, including: Puget Sound Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Bartell Drugs, a chain serving the Puget Sound area, and  local independents Frick Drugs and Jim’s Pharmacy. They are the only legal entities in the state of Washington able to provide this service. The participating drug stores and organizations in Clallam County are the only ones able to collect narcotics and other scheduled drugs. These pilot programs are the forerunners of legislation being proposed to the Washington State House of Representatives and Senate, as well as, the basis for potential future federal laws.