Hennepin County: New Drop Off Sites For Unwanted Medicine

Getting rid of unwanted medicines just got easier for residents in Hennepin County.

Beginning Friday, March 2, Hennepin County residents will be able to drop off unwanted, unused medicines at disposal boxes at three Sheriff’s Office facilities in Brooklyn Park, Spring Park, and downtown Minneapolis. The service is free.

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office and Environmental Services Department are holding a community event 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 2, to announce the new program and demonstrate the new drop-off boxes. The event is at the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Patrol Headquarters in Brooklyn Park.

Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek, Hennepin County Commissioner Mike Opat and Representatives from Minnesota Teen Challenge will be at the event.

The drop off locations and hours are:

• Hennepin County Sheriff’s Patrol Headquarters
  9401 83rd Ave. N. in Brooklyn Park
  Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Hennepin County Sheriff’s Water Patrol
  4141 Shoreline Drive in Spring Park
  Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Hennepin County Public Safety Facility
  401 Fourth Ave. S. in downtown Minneapolis
  Hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week

The green medicine drop boxes are located in the lobby at each location. You are required to go through a metal detector at the Public Safety Facility in Minneapolis.

Medicine from households will be accepted, include: prescription medicines (including controlled substances), over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements and ped medications.

Materials that won't be accepted include: needles, sharps, syringes, liquids, or medicines from businesses.

 There is no identification required. Please bring medicines in their original container and packaging. If medicines are no longer in their original packaging, place loose pills in a clear plastic bag.

The drop boxes are self-serve. Pull the handle to open and drop the medicine into the box.

(Information provided by Hennepin County.)