Unneeded or expired medication left in the home can lead to accidental poisonings or the misuse or abuse of prescription drugs. Simply throwing them into the garbage, pouring them down the drain, or flushing them down toilets have been shown to have damaging effects on our environment and can even contaminate our water supplies.
To help you safely and appropriately discard these medications as soon as possible, the City of Troutdale is pleased to provide a new option to its citizens. We’re partnering with MED-Project (Medication Education & Disposal Project), a non-profit organization that develops and operates programs for removal of unwanted pharmacy products from households as mandated by local and state legislation.
There are two ways to dispose of your prescription and over-the-counter medications easily and safely. For a convenient mail-in option, all you need to do is stop by City Hall and we will provide you with up to two postage-paid mail-back envelopes. Just place the medication in the original container or a sealed bag and place it inside the envelope. Seal it up and send it back via USPS. Be sure to not overfill the envelope!
You can also bring your medications directly to a drop-off location. A list of convenient sites in our area is available at medtakebackoregon.org. If you choose this option, do not use the mailer envelopes but be sure to store your medications in a leak-proof bag.
To protect your privacy, please remove all personally identifiable information on medication labels or packaging before disposing of unwanted medicine.
Where can I pick up the mail-back envelopes?
You can come to Troutdale City Hall (210 E. Historic Columbia River Hwy.) Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. You can request up to two envelopes per visit. If you have questions, please call City Hall during normal business hours at 503-665-5175.
What kind of medications are accepted through the mail-in option?
Legally possessed used or unused prescription or over-the-counter medications in any dosage form, except for those identified as not accepted. Medications must be in their original container or a sealed bag. Additional information is available inside your mail-back envelope.
What is NOT accepted in medicine mail-back envelopes?
Animal medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins, supplements, cosmetics, personal care products, medical devices, batteries, mercury- containing thermometers, sharps, elicit drugs, pet pesticide products, medical waste, aerosol spray cans, flammable and/or radioactive materials, biologics, injector medications, and inhalers (see back page about how to order envelopes to return injectors and inhalers)
What about inhalers and injectors?
There are free options for inhalers and injectors. Visit med-project.org or call 844-482-5322 (TTY: 711) for more information.
Please note that you must be legally entitled to possess medication to dispose of it. If it is prescription medication, you must be the prescription holder or their lawful descendant.