Minnesotans turned in luggage of outdated medications Saturday as half of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, an effort aimed toward conserving unused prescriptions out of properties and the fallacious palms.
There have been drop‑off websites throughout the state. 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS talked to folks at two areas — one which the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office hosted in St. Paul outdoors the Midway Target, and the opposite that the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office hosted in Minneapolis on the University of Minnesota’s Off‑Campus Safety Center in Dinkytown.
“Some people are coming with one small bag and others are coming with five or six bags, because they’ve just been waiting for a place to dispose,” mentioned Jonessa Wisniewski with Ramsey County’s Opioid Prevention and Unified Services Coalition (OPUS).
Along with drugs, used syringes have been additionally collected.
“Twice a year we do see and bring in 400 pounds or more of syringes, needles and medication from people,” Wisniewski mentioned.
Everything collected is sealed, weighed and ready for secure disposal.
“I’m dropping off some medication that I no longer need, and it’s out of date, and it’s a good place to do that,” mentioned Dennis Gerharstein, who stopped by one of the websites.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Minnesota’s twice‑a‑yr Take Back occasions collected 1000’s of pounds in 2025:
- Oct. 25, 2025: 8,850 lbs. of remedy
- April 26, 2025: 10,496 lbs of remedy
- Past 29 Take Back Days: 310,289 lbs. collected statewide
The DEA says the aim of Take Back Day is easy: filter unused, expired or unneeded prescriptions earlier than they are often misused and encourage households to make secure disposal a yr‑spherical behavior.
“We also encourage families to use this day as a time to sit down together and have conversations about the consequences that can come from prescription misuse, as well as the dangers that can come from taking a pill of unknown origin. For families with young children, it’s an opportunity to talk about prescription safety — only taking pills given by a trusted adult, or showing little children how similar candy and medication can often look. Let’s raise awareness and make the most of this day to not only clean out our medicine cabinets and drawers but also to start or continue the dialogue on prescription drug safety,” mentioned a DEA spokesperson.
Lt. Jeremy Gunia with the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office mentioned clearing out medication cupboards is greater than routine housekeeping.
“Unwanted and unused prescription drugs can sometimes fall into the hands of unwanted people, and it can lead to drug abuse,” Gunia mentioned.
Federal and state information present why occasions like this matter. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) experiences that opioids such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine and morphine are among the many mostly misused prescription ache medications.
According to Minnesota’s Dose of Reality marketing campaign, these medication have killed greater than 3,500 Minnesotans within the final 15 years — almost 70% of them involving medications that have been prescribed. The company experiences prescription drug misuse could be a gateway to road medication.
RELATED: Fentanyl on the rise in Minnesota
The DEA additionally warns in regards to the rise of counterfeit drugs. In 2025, DEA lab testing discovered that 29% of counterfeit drugs contained a probably deadly dose of fentanyl — down from 76% the yr earlier than, however nonetheless thought of a significant menace.
For faculty college students, the timing of the occasion is very related.
“You know, we’re entering finals time right now, and sometimes people use medications or alcohol to numb some of that as a repair for finals,” mentioned Nicholas Juarez with the UMN Department of Public Safety. “But again, this is just another opportunity for students to be aware that there are safe ways to dispose of unwanted medication instead of misusing it.”
Ramsey County officials echoed that message.
“We like to say if you are absolutely not using those medications, or even if they’re expired, get them out of your house so kids or adults, neighbors, friends are not exploring,” Wisniewski mentioned.
Beyond accumulating outdated prescriptions, businesses additionally targeted on schooling. Ramsey County gave out naloxone nasal kits, the remedy that may reverse an opioid overdose.
HCSO handed out deactivation luggage referred to as Deterra that neutralize drugs.
“There’s charcoal in here that deactivates the opioids or the drugs. It can hold up to 45 pills, so they can take it home. They can put the pills in there, add some water, you swish it around, and then you’re able to throw this just right in the garbage,” Gunia defined.
Law enforcement additionally reminded folks what to not do with outdated medications.
“We’ve been told you can’t flush it down the toilet, don’t throw it in the trash, and there’s really no other way to get rid of it,” Juarez mentioned.
This yr marks the thirtieth Take Back Day. The subsequent one is in October.
Help and help assets
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: a free, confidential, 24/7 therapy referral and data service for people and households dealing with psychological or substance use problems. Call 1‑800‑662‑HELP (4357) for help in English or Spanish.
9‑8‑8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: obtainable 24/7 for anybody experiencing emotional misery, psychological well being struggles, or considerations associated to alcohol or drug use. Call or textual content 9‑8‑8 to attach with skilled counselors.