Medication Disposal

Drop Box Location & Hours

About 10% of the pharmaceuticals dispensed in the U.S. are controlled substances. Controlled substances include anabolic steroids, narcotics, stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens that have a potential for abuse and physical and psychological dependence.

The U.S. Controlled Substances Act established a closed system of distribution designed to prevent the diversion of controlled substances. Although patients can possess controlled substances, they cannot lawfully transfer a controlled substance to another person or entity for any purpose. For example, patients cannot return controlled substances to pharmacies, even though pharmacies dispense them.

As an interim measure, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has allowed law enforcement agencies, such as the Nicollet County Sheriff's Office, to operate medication disposal programs. The law enforcement agency must retain custody of controlled substances at all times, up to and including destruction. After collecting the medication, sheriff's deputies will transport the medication to an incinerator, where they will be destroyed.

Safely dispose of unused medications at Nicollet County's medicine drop box located at the:
Sheriff's Office Lobby
501 S. Minnesota Avenue
St. Peter, MN 56082

Guidelines

  • Bring medication in their original containers
  • Drop box is free
  • ID is not required
  • The drop box is self-serve. Pull the handle to open it and then drop the medication, packaging and pills, into the box

Accepted

Medications from households are accepted:

  • Over-the-counter medication
  • Pet medication
  • Prescription medication including controlled substances
  • Vitamins and supplements

Medications are accepted in the following forms:

  • Aerosols
  • Blister packs
  • Capsules
  • Creams
  • Gels
  • Inhalers
  • Liquids
  • Patches
  • Pills
  • Powders

Not Accepted

  • No bandages, medical tape, or other medical supplies
  • No medication from businesses, including healthcare facilities, pharmacies, pharmaceutical representatives, doctors' offices, and veterinary clinics
  • No needles, sharps, or syringes
  • No vape pens
  • No thermometers


Prevent Abuse or Poisoning

  • Accidental poisonings from medication are also on the rise
  • Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem, especially among teens
  • Storing unused medication in the home poses safety and health threats

Most Abused Prescription Drugs

If unused or unwanted, these are important drugs to remove from your home.

Depressants

  • Nembutal
  • Valium
  • Xanax

Painkillers

  • OxyContin
  • Percocet
  • Tylenol with codeine
  • Vicodin

Stimulants

  • Adderall
  • Concerta
  • Ritalin

Nicollet County OFFERS 
FREE sharps disposal

It is important to manage and dispose of needles, lancets, and syringes (sharps) safely to prevent injury and disease transmission from needle-sticks. Never leave needles or syringes on streets, in parks, or anywhere else where someone could get injured.

Residents can bring in their home use needles/sharps in a hard sided container. Some examples of appropriate containSharps Disposalers include: store bought BD sharps containers, coffee can with a lid, laundry detergent bottle with a screw on top, milk jug with a cap.

Drop off location 

Nicollet County Health and Human Services located at 622 S. Front St., St. Peter during the hours of 8-4:30pm, Monday to Friday.

Cost: FREE

For questions call 507-934-8559.

This program is made possible with the support from Nicollet County Environmental Services, Health and Human Services, and Tri County Solid Waste.

Protect the Environment

Medication flushed down the drain or disposed of in the trash can contaminate bodies of water, harm wildlife, and end up in drinking water supplies.