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