Blue Earth County administers two separate disposal options for medical waste which include; the Medicine Collection Program and the Home Sharps Disposal Program. Residents who use the free drug drop-off service, known as the Medicine Collection program at the Blue Earth County Justice Center and the Mankato Safety Center are reminded that sharps are not allowed. Sharps including needles, syringes, lancets and similar medical devices need to be disposed of through the Home Sharps Disposal Program with collection sites at Hy-Vee Pharmacies in Mankato. Improper disposal of sharps can be potentially dangerous and possibly cause those handling the waste to be poked by used needles.
The Medicine Collection Program is intended for pharmaceuticals and over the counter medications only. Drop boxes for the unwanted, unused or outdated drugs are located in the Sheriff’s Office lobby within the Blue Earth County Justice Center at 401 Carver Road in Mankato and in the 24-hour lobby of the Mankato Public Safety Center located at 410 S. Front Street in Mankato.
The Home Sharps Disposal Program provides the public with a safe option for disposing of sharps with drop-off sites at Mankato Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations. A $5 disposal fee is charged for containers up to one gallon in size. Containers must be thick plastic that don’t allow needles to poke through. Sharps are not accepted in glass or metal containers.
For further information on how to dispose of medical waste, contact Blue Earth County Environmental Services at (507) 304-4381 or visit www.blueearthcountymn.gov.