The reasoning behind the program:

Based on industry estimates, 3% of the prescriptions written in the US are unused.   In Oregon, that translates to a possible 1,004,200 prescriptions unused annually in Oregon - 663,000 from residents and another 341,000 from long-term care facilities. Some of these unwanted and unused prescription drugs reach Oregon’s environment.

How do they get there?   

Drugs from households and care facilities reach waterways from excretion, flushing drugs down the toilet into sewers and septic systems, and trash disposal resulting in landfill leach that reaches surface water or infiltrates groundwater.

Adult care facilities in Oregon serve about 35,000 people, and they typically flush unwanted or leftover medications down the drain.  Newberg has several care facilities in addition to Providence Newberg Hospital. Four of the local care facilities are participating in the drug take back program.

Some drugs can be treated at traditional wastewater treatment plants, but others cannot.  A drug take back program is an important step in reducing chemicals in the environment. 

At this time the full time program only serves the care facilities.  Twice a year City Staff work with Federal DEA officers to hold a prescription take back day open to the public.  Watch for notices in the Fall and Spring.  To learn about safe methods to dispose of your personal pharmaceutical supplies contact your physicians office or your local pharmacy. 

How the full time program works
Currently Newberg Police Department and Newberg Garbage and Recycling Service partner with us to pick up controlled and non controlled pharmaceuticals at the participating care facilities in Newberg.  These pharmaceuticals are then safely and securely taken to the Metro hazardous waste facility in Oregon City or Covanta incinerator in Brooks.