WLSSD to Host Collection Event for Unwanted Medication
For Immediate Release: 1:00 p.m., Monday, July 11, 2016
Contact: Karen L. Anderson, Director of Community Relations
218-740-4776
Sarah Lerohl, Environmental Program Coordinator
218-740-4784
WLSSD to Host Collection Event for Unwanted Medication
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, July 15 from 9:00 am to 4:00 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 U.S. drug laws, medication can only be accepted at this location during these specially-staffed events.
“These periodic Medicine Cabinet Clean-Out events are intended to keep the issue of medicine safety top-of-mind, even in the lazy days of summer,” said Sarah Lerohl, Environmental Program Coordinator. “Keeping unwanted medicines in the home provides too many risks such as illicit use, accidental poisoning, and theft. Medicine Cabinet Clean-Out events provide a quick and easy way to reduce that risk through safe disposal.” A collection event will also be held later this year on Friday, October 14, 2016.
Residents are also encouraged to use the 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, the Proctor Police Department, and the West Duluth Police Substation.
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 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 service area in Southern St. Louis and northern Carlton counties, and is a nationally recognized leader in pollution prevention.
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