MDH: Drop off unwanted, unused prescription medication during ‘Drug Take Back Day’ Saturday
In this Sept. 11, 2019, file photo, medications slated for destruction are shown in a locked storage area of the police department in Barberton, Ohio.[AP/ Keith Srakocic]
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) issued a reminder Thursday that Saturday is this season’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
According to MDH, those who have unwanted or unused prescription drugs can drop them off at an authorized collection site. There is no charge for disposing of medications and most sites will take prescription, over-the-counter, and pet medicines. Some also accept e-cigarettes and vaping devices after the batteries are removed, according to MDH.
Those interested can find authorized sites via this searchable collection site map or temporary collection sites available from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Saturday via the Take Back Day website.
MDH asks that those planning to drop off medications wear a mask, maintain at least six feet of distance between oneself and others, and use hand sanitizer and wash hands after the drop-off.
"Properly and safely disposing of medications can help prevent misuse, diversion and accidental poisonings," MDH states.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration holds a Prescription Drug Take Back Day every spring and fall, however, MDH encouraged those with unwanted, unused or expired prescriptions to safely dispose of them at any time of the year.
Learn more about the use, and misuse, of prescription opioids in Minnesota via the MDH Opioid Dashboard.