Got Unused Prescription Drugs? Here’s How to Dispose of Them Safely This Weekend Across Minnesota

For those that may have old prescription drugs lying around, this weekend you'll have an opportunity to dispose of them safely around Minnesota.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day happens this Saturday, October 26th, the program was started by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in an effort to dispose of unused prescription drugs that often find their way into the wrong hands.

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Several law enforcement agencies across Minnesota are holding events on Saturday, including the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office. Drop boxes will be staffed from 10 AM until 2 PM at St. Louis County Sheriff's offices in Virginia, Hibbing and Ely.

Any medications that need safe dispose should be brought in their original containers and have all identifying information crossed out or removed.

Duluth will be offering a chance to get rid of those unneeded prescriptions on Friday, October 25th from 8 AM until 4:30 PM at the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District located on Courtland St.

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Not only could these medications end up being consumed by someone they were not intended for, but flushing, or disposing of these medications in other ways can lead to pollution and other environmental threats.

While these special events are generally held twice a year, year round drop boxes are often available at pharmacies and law enforcement agencies across the state, these disposal boxes offer a way to anonymously get rid of these drugs.

Events will be happening all around the state this weekend, for a complete list of all available drop off locations, visit the official website for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day here.