Safe Drug Disposal

Safely dispose of unwanted, expired and unused medicines for free at one of six public drop boxes in Ramsey County. Safe disposal of unwanted medicine helps prevent crime, drug abuse and accidental poisoning. Not flushing medicines down the drain or disposing of them in the trash helps protect our environment.

Step 1:
Keep medicines in their original container for legal transport. Put loose medicines in a clear plastic bag and label it.

Step 2:
Seal all containers in clear plastic bags, ideally one-gallon or smaller size.

Step 3:
​Place bag with medicine into drop box.

Collection Sites
Saint Paul
Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center
425 Grove St.
Saint Paul, MN
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Drop box located inside.
Arden Hills
Ramsey County Sheriff’s Patrol Station
1411 Paul Kirkwold Dr.
Arden Hills, MN
Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Drop box located inside.
Maplewood Police Department
1830 County Rd. B East
Maplewood, MN		 Open year-round, 24/7
Drop box located outside.
New Brighton Public Safety
 Open year-round, 24/7
Drop box located inside lobby.
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Drop box located inside.
White Bear Lake Police/Fire Department
4701 Highway 61
White Bear Lake, MN
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Drop box located inside.
Free parking is available at all locations.
R

Accepted Items:

Medicines from households are accepted in any form, including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, supplements and pet medicines.

Examples

  • Blister packs.
  • Capsules and pills.
  • Creams and gels.
  • Epinephrine injections.
  • Inhalers.
  • IV bags.
  • Liquids.
  • Needles and syringes (filled with medicine and capped/sealed).
  • Patches.
  • Powders.
  • Sprays.
  • Vials.

 

Q

Items NOT Accepted

No empty needles and syringes, no uncapped/unsealed needles and syringes (with and without medicine). These items are accepted for free at Ramsey County’s year-round household hazardous waste collection site.

No medicines from businesses, healthcare facilities, long-term care facilities, pharmacies, doctors’ offices or veterinary clinics.

Stay Informed

Drug Take-Back Sites in Ramsey County

90% of people who abuse prescription medication get it from friends and family members. Don't let your medicine cabinet become yet another statistic. Safely dispose of prescription medications at one of the many drop sites in Ramsey County.

Find a Location