Drug take back events planned across Grant Co. this weekend
SOAP LAKE - Grant County residents will have several opportunities this weekend to safely dispose of unused or expired medications as local police departments, fire districts and prevention coalitions participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Grant County Fire District 7 and the Soap Lake Prevention Coalition will host their event Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the fire station, 155 WA‑28.
Coordinator and GCFD 7 Capt. Ryan Boldman said the effort is part of a broader national push held every April and October to reduce improper disposal of medications or medications sitting unused around residents' homes.
"Every pill that we safely dispose of is one less opportunity for misuse, accidental poisoning or environmental harm," Boldman said. "It also gives us an opportunity to connect with community members and talk about how to secure medications and keep families safe."
Boldman said many cases of prescription opioid misuse begin unintentionally when medications are left unsecured after surgery or medical procedures. Children and teens may access pills without understanding what they are, he said, and adults often forget about leftover prescriptions sitting in cabinets for months or years.
Improper disposal, such as flushing medications or throwing them in the trash, can also create environmental risks.
"Wastewater treatment plants aren't fully designed to remove recent pharmaceuticals," Boldman said. "Trace amounts can pass into rivers and lakes and potentially affect fish and wildlife. Some studies show it can even contribute to antibiotic resistance. Proper disposal keeps these medications out of the environment entirely."
Medications collected at Take Back events are transferred to law enforcement and incinerated.
In addition to medication disposal, GCFD 7 will offer free wellness checks, including blood pressure screenings, and opportunities for residents to meet local EMTs and firefighters.
Boldman emphasized that safe disposal is available year‑round, not just during Take Back Day.
The Soap Lake Police Department maintains a secure drop box in its lobby for solid medications, and many pharmacies also accept returns. The fire district is exploring offering mail‑back envelopes for residents who prefer a discreet option.
"This event is really about raising awareness," Boldman said. "There are safe options available any time."
Countywide participation
The Grant County Health District encouraged residents to use any of the available drop‑off events this weekend.
"If medications aren't stored safely, they can easily end up in the wrong hands," said Reece Leavitt, Youth Marijuana and Tobacco Prevention Coordinator. "Throwing expired or unwanted medications in the trash can make them accessible to kids or pets, and flushing them down the toilet isn't good for the environment. The good news is that safe disposal is easy."
Quincy Police Department, which will host its own event Friday, said it welcomes the partnership.
"We are looking forward to working with Quincy Partnership for Youth, see you on Friday," the department said in a statement.
A list of year‑round drop‑off locations by ZIP code is available at MedTakeBackWashington.org. The health district recommends calling ahead to confirm availability.
Grant County drug take-back day events
Mattawa
Saturday, April 25
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In front of Women Infant and Children office
210 Government Rd., Mattawa
Moses Lake
Saturday, April 25
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Moses Lake Police Department
411 S Balsam St., Moses Lake
Quincy
Friday, April 24
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Quincy Police Department
331 First Ave. SW, Quincy
Soap Lake
Saturday, April 25
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Grant County Fire District 7
155 WA-28, Soap Lake
Drug drop-off locations
Source: MedTakeBackWashington.org
The list below is regularly updated by Med Take Back Washington; however, prior to visiting a location, it is recommended to give them a call to confirm they will be able to assist you.
Coulee City:
Coulee City Public Library
Mail-back supply location
405 W Main St.
509-632-8451
Coulee City Medical Clinic
Mail-back supply location
130 N Adams St.
509-633-6331
Ephrata:
Grant County Solid Waste
Mail-back location
124 Enterprise St. SE
509-754-6082
Columbia Basin Hospital
Drop-off location
200 Nat Washington Way
509-754-4631
Safeway Pharmacy
Drop-off location
1150 Basin St. SW
509-754-3567
Grant County Jail
Drop-off location
35 C Street NW
509-754-2011
George:
George City Hall
Mail-back supply location
102 East Richmond Ave.
509-785-5081
Moses Lake:
Safeway Pharmacy
Drop-off location
601 S. Pioneer Way
509-764-4721
Moses Lake Community Health Center Pharmacy
Drop-off location
605 S Coolidge St.
509-765-0674
Laketown Pharmacy
Drop-off location
1550 S Pioneer Way Ste 15
509-765-8891
Southgate Pharmacy
Drop-off location
2709 W Broadway Ave
509-765-9332
Othello:
Othello Community Hospital Pharmacy
Drop-off location
315 N 14th Ave.
509-331-2640
Adams County IHCS
Mail-back supply location
425 E. Main St.
509-488-5611
CBHA - Othello
Drop-off location
1515 Columbia St.
509-488-5256
Quincy:
Quincy Community Health Center Pharmacy
Drop-off location
1450 First Ave. SW
509-787-6423
Quincy Partnership for Youth
Mail-back supply location
105 Second Ave. SE
509-771-7634
Quincy Valley Pharmacy LLC
Drop-off location
918 13th Ave. SW Bldg F
509-677-7700
Royal City:
Royal City Police Department
Mail-back supply location
445 NE Camelia St.
509-762-1160
Soap Lake:
Soap Lake City Hall
Mail-back supply location
239 2nd Ave. SE
509-246-1122
Soap Lake Police Department
Drop-off location
223 2nd Ave. SE
509-246-1122
Warden:
Warden Police Department
Drop-off location
201 S. Ash St.
509-793-1300
Wilson Creek:
Wilson Creek City Clerk
Mail-back supply location
254 Railroad St.
509-345-2531
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This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 11:52 PM.