Join Mayo Clinic and local law enforcement to safely and anonymously discard your unused and expired medications during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 25.
Mayo Clinic, in collaboration with the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office, Olmsted Medical Center, Zumbro Valley Medical Society and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will host a community drop-off event to collect unused or expired medications. The Rochester Fire Department, Olmsted County Drug & Alcohol Response Team, Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service and Rochester Police Department will be on-site with opportunities to learn more about community drug safety and emergency response.
"Safe medication disposal is prevention in action," says Benjamin Lai, M.B., B.Ch., B.A.O., a family medicine physician and chair of Mayo Clinic's Opioid Stewardship Program.
"National Prescription Drug Take Back Day reminds us that small actions - like cleaning out a medicine cabinet - can have a powerful impact on protecting our loved ones and our community."
Anyone can anonymously drop off medications in Rochester on Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mayo Family Clinic Northeast, 3041 Stonehedge Drive NE.
Medications accepted for safe disposal at take-back locations include:
- Prescription drugs
- Over-the-counter medications
- Ointments, patches, creams, inhalers and vials
- Pet medications
- Nonaerosol medications
Liquid medications must be in the original container. Vape pens and other e-cigarette devices are accepted with the batteries removed.
"Every returned medication is one less chance for misuse or accidental harm," says Dr. Lai. "Safe disposal is one of the easiest ways we can all promote community health."
For those who live outside of Rochester, visit the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day website to find a drop-off location in your area.
Community members who cannot attend the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day event can dispose of medications safely in the prescription drug collection box at the Olmsted County Government Center. The box is in the vestibule of the Adult Detention Center and is accessible around the clock every day of the year. Several pharmacies in the community also offer collection boxes - locate your nearest box with the DEA's year-round disposal site locator tool.
