WLSSD to Host Collection Event for Unwanted Medication, Announces 2013 Calendar of Collection Events
Duluth, MN – The Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD) will host a free collection event for unwanted or expired medications at its regional Household Hazardous Waste Facility on Friday, April 12 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. “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 US drug laws, medication can only be accepted at this location during these specially-staffed events. Collection events will be held throughout 2013 on Fridays: April 12, July 12, and October 11.
“Although we’ve been hosting Medicine Cabinet Cleanout for a about five years, hundreds of people from our community continue to drop off their unwanted medications,” said Sarah Lerohl, WLSSD environmental program coordinator. “We collect hundreds of pounds of medications at each event. It’s a service that’s important to our community to keep people safe and protect our environment from pollution.”
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.
To prepare for all drop off programs:
- Bring prescription or over-the-counter medication in its original container and place in a sealed, clear plastic bag.
- Cross off or scratch out identifying information if desired. Drop off is anonymous, no ID is required.
- Keep medications out of reach of children while storing and transporting material.
- Needles or other medical sharps are only accepted at the Household Hazardous Waste facility, not drop box sites. Separate and package them in rigid containers such as laundry detergent or soda bottles for safe disposal.
Medicine Cabinet Cleanout events are a community effort aimed at preventing accidental poisonings, diversion of medicines for illicit purposes, and the introduction of pharmaceuticals into local waterways via improper disposal down the drain or toilet. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department will provide law enforcement staff at the event while pharmacists from Essentia Health and St. Luke’s Hospitals and Clinics will aid in the sorting and identifying the collected medication.
Western Lake Superior Sanitary District provides award-winning wastewater and solid waste services to residents, businesses and industries within its 530 square mile legislative boundaries in Southern St. Louis and northern Carlton counties, and is a nationally recognized leader in pollution prevention.
For Immediate Release: 9:00 a.m., Thursday, April 11, 2013
Contact: Karen L. Anderson, Director of Community Relations
218-740-4776
Sarah Lerohl, Environmental Program Coordinator
218-740-4787