St. Louis County Makes Unused Medication Disposal Easier

Prescription medications are modern-miracles - allowing all of us to lead longer, healthier lives.  But what do you do with the unused, unwanted medications when you no longer need them?

For many years, the proper disposal of unused medications has been an issue.  For generations, people just threw them away in the garbage or flushed them down the toilet.  But when trace amounts of those prescription drugs started showing up in our rivers, lakes, and water sources - the move towards proper disposal started.

Many are aware of collection bins - often located in hospitals or government buildings - where you can safely dispose of your old medications.  At the same time, many local communities hold special events where they collect those meds.

Saturday, April 27 is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.  Locally, St. Louis County will be taking part - at three different locations throughout the Arrowhead.  The St. Louis County Sheriff's Office will have deputies available to assist with medication disposal and answer any questions at their offices in Hibbing (1810 12th Avenue East) and Virginia (300 South 5th Avenue); and at the Public Safety Building in Duluth (2030 N Arlington Avenue) in partnership with the Duluth Police Department.

St. Louis County is also using this years event as the roll-out for their new mail-in program.  St. Louis County residents who live in rural communities that lack a drop-off box, or for those who are unable to use the disposal boxes in police departments. The pre-addressed postage-paid envelopes are free for people to use. Medications are sent directly to an approved facility for safe disposal. To request an envelope, people can contact Stephany Medina at St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services: 218-725-5144.