Sunset Review: Drug Take-Back Program

Scope and objectives | January 2026

Amanda Eadrick, team lead
Ryan McCord, audit director | Eric Thomas, legislative auditor

Why we are doing this study

The drug take-back program is scheduled to end on January 1, 2029. Under the Sunset Act, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) must review the program before that date.

Read the study mandate ➜
RCW 43.131.423

Background

In 2018, the Legislature created the drug take-back program to provide a statewide system for collecting and disposing of unused household medications. The Legislature intended for the program to prevent prescription drug abuse, poisonings, and overdoses. 

The Department of Health (Department) oversees the program, which is run by private entities. The entities are responsible for managing collection sites, educating the public, and collecting and disposing of medications. 

In 2025, JLARC completed an expedited review of the Department’s fee-setting approach. The Legislature requested that review in E2SHB 1422 (2025).

Study scope

This study will evaluate how well the program serves Washingtonians. It will include the services provided by the private entities, as well as the Department’s program oversight activities that were not addressed in the expedited review.

As required by the Sunset Act, the report will include a recommendation to either change, continue, or terminate the program.

Study objectives

Sunset reviews must address questions listed in state law (RCW 43.131.071). In answering these questions, JLARC staff will identify and address potential racial equity considerations, per RCW 44.28.076.

1. To what extent has the program fulfilled the legislative intent?
2. To what extent does the Department provide for efficient and economical program oversight?
3. To what extent does the Department have adequate cost and management controls in place?
4. To what extent is the program meeting performance measures?
5. To what extent does the program duplicate the activities of another agency or the private sector?
6. What are the possible effects of eliminating or changing the program?

What's next

• Preliminary Report: September 2026
• Proposed Final Report: December 2026

Learn more about our study process ➜

Study team

Amanda Eadrick, research analyst, (360) 786-5174
Andrew Hatt, research analyst, (360) 786-5187