More Than 3 Tons of Unwanted Medicine Collected Via Drop Boxes

One year after they were first installed, medicine drop boxes throughout Hennepin County successfully collected more than 6,700 pounds of unwanted medications.

The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office placed the six drop boxes at locations all over the county, including one at the Southdale Library in Edina. The goal was to encourage residents to properly dispose of their unused and unwanted medicines, part of an effort to combat the abuse of prescription and over-the-counter medications.

County officials report the majority of people addicted to painkillers get their supply of drugs from the medicine cabinet of family members or friends.

“Do not become the drug supplier to your teenager—or anyone else,” said Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek. “Secure the medicine that you need in a safe place and properly dispose of expired or unused medications to help reduce the risk of addiction and improper use.”

The disposal of medications also helps protect the environment, as Commissioner Jan Callison noted how medicines flushed down the drain or tossed in the trash can contaminate bodies of water or harm wildlife.

"Using a medicine drop box is an easy and convenient way to safely dispose of your unwanted medicines while helping to protect our water quality," Callison said.

Hennepin County officials also provided the following guidelines for the six medicine drop boxes:

Materials accepted

Medicine from households are accepted, including:

• Prescription medicines, including controlled substances
• Over-the-counter medicines
• Vitamins and supplements
• Pet medicines

Not accepted

• No sharps or used syringes.
• No medicines from businesses.

Guidelines

• The green medicine drop boxes are located in the lobby at each location.
• No ID required.
• The service is free.
• Bring medicines in their original containers.
• The boxes are self-serve. Pull the handle to open and drop the medicine into the box.

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