Blue Earth County initiated a Medicine Collection Program in 2011 with a drop box location site at the Justice Center to allow proper disposal of medications as a mechanism to protect drinking water and prevent abuse or misuse of leftover medications. In 2013, the program was expanded through a partnership with the City of Mankato to add a second drop box location at the Public Safety Center in downtown Mankato. Collection totals nearly doubled in 2013 with a total of 2,664 pounds of medicine collected between the two sites, compared to 1,700 pounds collected in 2012.
Residents are reminded of the free service and that medications may be dropped off anonymously Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Sheriff’s Office Lobby at the Blue Earth County Justice Center located at 401 Carver Road, Mankato, or 24-hours a day, seven days a week at the Mankato Public Safety Center at 710 S. Front Street, Mankato.
Accepted items include; prescription medications, over-the counter medications, narcotics and other controlled substances, medication samples, pet medications, vitamins and supplements, liquid medication in glass or leak-proof containers (please put in an additional plastic bag), medicated ointments and lotions, inhalers and street drugs.
Non-accepted items include; mercury thermometers, sharps, IV bags, infectious waste, hydrogen peroxide and business medicines.
Xcel Energy is an important partner that incinerates items securely brought by law enforcement to its Wilmarth Plant.
For more information about the Medicine Collection Program visit www.blueearthcountymn.gov or call (507) 304-4440.