Old and unwanted medicines in your home can pose a risk for accidental poisoning, theft, and drug abuse. Research shows that medication put down the drain or flushed may pollute water and harm fish and wildlife.
2024 Medicine Cabinet Clean Out Events:
Friday, April 26th, 8:00am-4:30pm
Friday, October 25th, 8:00am-4:30pm
Businesses seeking information on medication management and disposal may contact the Clean Shop for options.
Preparing Unwanted Medicines for Drop-off (all programs)
Keep medicines in the original container if you can, and seal in a clear plastic bag. Write the name of the medicine on the bag if it isn’t otherwise identified. This helps responders in case of accidental ingestion by pets or people.
Use a marker to cross out personal information if desired. Drop-off is confidential, and waste is ultimately incinerated.
Needles, syringes, lancets and thermometers are only accepted at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility. Never put those items in a drop box.
Local Pharmacies Offering Medicine Collection
In 2016 the State of Minnesota made it legal for pharmacies to voluntarily collect unwanted medications from residents using collection bins at retail locations. Find collection bins at:
Take it to the Box Medication Disposal for Residents
Safely dispose of unwanted and expired medications at a Take It to the Box drop box, located in participating law enforcement facilities in Duluth, Hermantown and Proctor.
Duluth PD/St. Louis Co. Sheriff Public Safety Building
2030 Arlington Avenue, Duluth
Open M-F, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
West Duluth Police Substation
5830 Grand Avenue, Duluth
(Entrance is on Roosevelt St.)
Open M-F, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hermantown Police Department
5111 Maple Grove Rd., Hermantown
Open M-F, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Proctor Police Department
100 Pionk Drive, Proctor
Open M-F, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Disposal in the Trash
Drop-off options are best because they ensure proper disposal, but if you are unable to use them, follow these instructions for disposal in the trash.
Scratch out patient’s name.
Add liquid, sawdust or spices to destroy the product.
Seal container with strong tape.
Hide in a non-transparent container or bag.
Throw it away as close to trash pick-up as possible.