Proper Disposal:
Residents may watch for special disposal events @ WLSSD’s Household Hazardous Waste facility (typically April, October) or dispose of medicines at Take It to the Box disposal boxes at local law enforcement locations. Businesses call the Clean Shop at (218) 726-1602 for a list of services and other providers.
Take it to THE BOX is located in the lobby of the following facilities:
Duluth Police Department/St. Louis County Sheriff Public Safety Building
West Duluth Police Substation
Hermantown Police Department
Proctor Police Department
Carlton Co. Sheriff, Cloquet Police Department, Moose Lake Police Department
It is legal (though not preferred) to dispose of medication carefully in the garbage. Do not flush medications.
- Disposing of Medications at Home:
Keep the medication in its original container
The labels may contain safety information and the caps are typically childproof. Leaving the content information clearly visible, scratch the patient’s name out or cover it with permanent maker.
- Modify the medications to discourage consumption
For solid medications (pills or capsules): add a small amount of water to at least partially dissolve them.
For liquid medications: add enough table salt, charcoal, or nontoxic powdered spice, such as turmeric or mustard to make a pungent, unsightly mixture that discourages anyone from eating it.
For blister packs: wrap the blister packages containing pills in multiple layers of duct or other opaque tape.
- Seal and conceal
Tape the medication container lid shut with packaging or duct tape, place it inside a non-transparent bag or container such as an empty yogurt or margarine tub to ensure that the contents cannot be seen.
- Do not conceal medicines in food products because they could be inadvertently consumed by wildlife scavengers.
- Discard the container in your garbage can; do not place in the recycling bin.
If you are unsure of how to dispose of a medication, contact WLSSD staff at 722-3336.
More Information:
Poison Control – 1-800-222-1222
St. Luke’s Poison Control – (218) 726-5466 – answered 24 hours
If you are disposing of a drug/Meth lab, contact Sheriff or Police.