WLSSD offers chance to get rid of unwanted meds safely

Western Lake Superior Sanitary District hosts a free collection event for unwanted or expired medications at its regional Household Hazardous Waste Facility 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.

“Medicine Cabinet Clean-Out Day” is a one-day event offering residents free disposal of unwanted medications in a safe, convenient and environmentally sound manner. Due to national drug laws, medication can only be accepted at the Household Hazardous Waste facility during these specially staffed events.

Residents may bring their own, or a family member’s, unwanted or expired medication to the drive-through area at the Household Hazardous Waste facility at 2626 Courtland St., Duluth, for free and confidential disposal.

Items accepted include prescription or over-the-counter medication in its original container with all information about the medication visible to assist with sorting. Names and addresses may be covered or scratched out. Keep needles or other medical sharps separate and packaged in rigid containers such as laundry detergent or soda bottles for safe disposal.

Residents are also encouraged to use the new Take It to the Box medication drop box sites at local law enforcement agencies, providing residents with year-round opportunities for safe, convenient and confidential disposal of unwanted or expired medicines. The drop-off sites are accessible to residents during all public hours at the Duluth Police Department/St. Louis County Sheriff’s Public Safety Building, the Hermantown Police Department and the Proctor Police Department.

Proper disposal of unwanted medication is important to our community. Participating in a collection may aid in the prevention of accidental poisonings, diversion of pharmaceuticals for illicit purposes, and the introduction of pharmaceuticals into local waterways via improper disposal down the drain or toilet.

Medicine Cabinet Cleanout events are a community effort. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department will provide law enforcement staff at the event to comply with U.S. drug laws, while pharmacists from Essentia Health and St. Luke’s Hospitals and Clinics will aid in the sorting and identifying the collected medication.

Tags: news, money, environment, health