Keeping Our Community Safe: Prescription Drug Take Back Bin

In recognition of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this April, Mille Lacs Health System reminds the community about our secure medication disposal bin available year-round. A MedSafe drop box is located inside the Onamia Clinic, offering a safe and anonymous way to dispose of expired or unused medications. The MedSafe bin is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

This take-back box is more than just a drop-off point—it’s part of our commitment to community health and safety. By giving local residents easy access to proper disposal options year-round, we're helping reduce the risk of medication misuse, accidental ingestion, and environmental harm caused by flushing or improper trash disposal.

Having a local, accessible drop box is one way to help reduce the risk of medication misuse, accidental ingestion, and environmental harm. Too often, medications are left sitting in cabinets where they can be taken by the wrong person—either by mistake or intentionally. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, for every one fatal overdose in the state, nearly 13 nonfatal overdoses are treated in hospitals. While not all of these involve prescription medications, many do involve opioids—some of which may have been obtained from unused prescriptions in the home. This underscores the importance of proper medication disposal as one part of the solution to prevent potential misuse. Safe disposal is especially important for households with children, elderly family members, or individuals recovering from substance use.

In addition to preventing drug misuse, disposing of medications properly helps protect our environment. Flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash can introduce chemicals into the water system or harm wildlife. Using a designated disposal bin ensures medications are handled safely and responsibly.

The MedSafe bin accepts prescription and over-the-counter medications in solid form, such as tablets and capsules. Liquid medications are accepted as well, but they must be placed in a sealed plastic bag and cannot exceed four ounces. Items not accepted include illegal drugs, needles or sharps, medical devices, batteries, inhalers, any items containing mercury, and chemotherapy drugs.

Disposing of old medications may seem like a small task, but it can make a big difference in keeping your home and community safer. For more information or additional disposal locations, visit: doseofreality.mn.gov.