WLSSD to Host Collection Event for Unwanted Medication this Friday, October 13, 2023

Duluth, MN – 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, October 13 from 8:00 am to 4:30 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.

“Cleaning out your medicine cabinet is a great way to clean up before winter,” said Ryan Ihrke, WLSSD environmental program coordinator. “Safely discarding unwanted medicine is an easy and important part of maintaining a safe home, protecting loved ones, and reducing harm to fish and other aquatic life.”

WLSSD’s Medicine Cabinet Cleanout events offer an easy, convenient drive-through access option to discard unwanted medicines, however, residents are also encouraged to use medication drop box sites at local law enforcement agencies and participating local pharmacies. A complete list of drop box locations is available at https://wlssd.com/education/pollution-prevention/medicine/. Business who have medications to dispose of should contact the WLSSD Clean Shop at 218-726-1602.

To prepare medicines 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 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.

WLSSD’s Regional Household Hazardous Waste Facility is located at 2626 Courtland Street (27^th Avenue West and the waterfront).