WLSSD Adds Site for Medication Collection
Duluth, MN – Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD) has added a new, permanent Take It to the Box medication disposal drop box at the West Duluth Police Substation in Duluth. This marks the fourth Take it to the Box disposal location launched in the Duluth, Hermantown and Proctor area since the program began in May 2012. Area residents can bring their medications to the new drop site located inside the West Duluth Police Substation located at 5830 Grand Avenue. The entrance is located on Roosevelt Street and is open to the public 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Take it to the Box medication disposal boxes 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.
“We’re glad to offer this important service in the Spirit Valley neighborhood,” said Lt. Leigh Wright of the Duluth Police Department. “We want to make it convenient and we want residents to know that regularly disposing of these items truly makes our community a safer place.”
WLSSD first began collecting unwanted medication through regular collection events at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility in 2007. WLSSD and law enforcement partners have added four Take it to the Box drop boxes at area law enforcement centers to ensure regular convenient access. Over 14,000 pounds of unwanted medications have been collected through the efforts. Additionally, St. Louis County sites outside of Duluth, Hermantown and Proctor have collected nearly 650 pounds and Carlton County sites have collected over 1200 pounds.
Residents are encouraged to use the Take It to the Box medication drop box sites at law enforcement agencies, providing residents with year-round opportunities for safe, convenient, and confidential disposal of unwanted or expired medicines. Other drop-off sites accessible to residents during all public hours include: Duluth Police Department/St. Louis County Sheriff’s Public Safety Building, the Hermantown Police Department, and the Proctor Police Department.
To prepare for the Take it to the Box drop-off program:
- 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 bottles for safe disposal.
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.
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News Release
For Immediate Release: 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 10, 2014,
Contact: Karen L. Anderson, Director of Community Relations
218-740-4776
Sarah Lerohl, Environmental Program Coordinator
218-740-4787