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Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) - St. Paul Office

Find a Medication Disposal Location

520 Lafayette Rd N, St. Paul, MN 55155

Application process

  • Always check with the collection site for any restrictions they may have on what they accept.
  • You cannot retrieve an item once you put it in the collection box.
  • Keep prescription medicines in their original containers.
  • Remove any patient information and prescription numbers.
  • Chemotherapy drugs in capsule form may be taken to collection sites in their original containers.
  • Unused needles with syringes that contain medication can be put in collection boxes if they are first placed in a puncture-proof container.
  • Do not place illegal drugs or business-generated medications in the collection box.
  • Liquid chemotherapy drugs should be returned to the clinic that issued them. Do not place them in the collection box.
  • Used needles are not accepted at medication collection sites.
  • Contact your county solid waste office to find out whether there is a collection option for used needles.
  • Never place containers with used needles or syringes in a recycling bin, or loose sharps in the garbage.
  • Mercury-containing devices cannot be safely incinerated, so do not bring mercury thermometers or other devices to medication collection boxes.
  • Take mercury-containing products to your county household hazardous waste collection site.

Fees

Free service. No fee for disposal.

Site Service Area

Statewide

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency provides an online directory showing the locations of medication collection sites in Minnesota. Unwanted, un-needed or expired medications can be dropped into collection boxes at these sites. Most collection boxes are located indoors at law enforcement offices or pharmacies, and are available during normal business hours. Collection sites accept all medicines from households, including:
  • Prescription drugs
  • Over-the-counter
  • Liquids
  • Solids, pills, tablets
  • Pet medicine

Last Update

03/10/2026

Providing organization

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)