Have Unwanted or Expired Medications to Throw Away?

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Mayo Clinic and the Rochester Police Department are joining the Drug Enforcement Administration to hold a National Take Back Initiative event Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mayo Clinic, Gonda Building circle drive entrance on Third Avenue SW, Rochester. The service is free and anonymous.

Mayo Clinic and the Rochester Police Department also participated in this national event last October, when Americans turned in more than 188 tons of unwanted medications for safe disposal at more than 5,300 take-back sites across the U.S.

Studies show that most abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including home medicine cabinets. This event offers a convenient, safe and environmentally friendly way for the public to dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Mayo Clinic and the Rochester Police Department are committed to protecting against misuse and abuse of potentially dangerous drugs. Unused prescription drugs thrown in the trash can be retrieved and abused or illegally sold. Medications that are improperly disposed of by flushing pose a potential health hazard. The public can help safeguard the community by properly disposing of medications.

The drop-off site can be accessed from Second Street SW by turning onto Third Avenue SW and entering the circle drive to the Gonda Building entrance. Simply drive up and hand off any medications. Nothing needs to be signed.

The DEA and Rochester Police Department will handle and dispose of the medications that are dropped off. Mayo Clinic staff will be on site to assist.

###

About Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit worldwide leader in medical care, research and education for people from all walks of life. For more information, visit MayoClinic.com or MayoClinic.org/news.

Journalists can become a member of the Mayo Clinic News Network for the latest health, science and research news and access to video, audio, text and graphic elements that can be downloaded or embedded.