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   The DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) organizes the month of April and specific days as “Drug Take Back Day” promoting a safe and secure way to drop off unwanted prescription medications. Cass County has been a participant in the Take It To The Box program for almost 15 years and provides a FREE, safe disposal site for medications that are no longer needed or expired. Last year alone, these boxes collected over 1,057 pounds of unwanted prescription medication. Take It To The Box disposal sites are located at Law Enforcement Centers in Cass County. The Take It To The Box program promotes the safe use, safe storage, and safe disposal of unneeded prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, and pet medications. All disposal is done ANONYMOUSLY. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office and Cass County Health Human and Veteran Services Public Health Division is serious about preventing medication misuse/abuse and about environmentally safe disposal of unneeded medications.

   The program addresses two major public concerns, preventing drug misuse and protecting the environment. Unused medications in homes can be misused by others, especially youth. Safe disposal reduces access and helps prevent accidental poisoning and drug abuse. Throwing medications in the trash or flushing them down the toilet can contaminate soil and water systems. Proper disposal ensures harmful substances don’t enter ecosystems. Medication expiration dates should be checked regularly and disposed of when expired. Remember to clean out your medicine cabinet routinely and dispose of any unneeded medications.

   How do I dispose of unneeded medications at Take It To The Box sites?

   • Leave medicine in its original container.

   • Remove identifying information by blacking it out or peeling it off the label.

   • Leave name of medication on container.

   • Drop medication container into the disposal box opening.

What is allowed?

   • Over-the-counter medications

   • Prescription Medications

   • Narcotic Medications

   • Inhaler Medicine in Dispensers

What is NOT allowed?

   • Empty medication bottles

   • Syringes, needles or sharps

   • Mercury thermometers or other mercury containing medical devices

   • Household chemicals

   • Biohazardous waste

   • Chemotherapeutics or radioactive medications

   Take It To The Box locations and hours 

Monday – Friday during regular business hours

   • Cass County Sheriff’s Office, 303 Minnesota Avenue W, Walker MN

   • City of Lake Shore, 8583 Interlachen Rd, Lake Shore,  MN

   • City of Cass Lake, 330 Second Street NW, Cass Lake,  MN

   • City of Pine River, 200 Front St N, Pine River,  MN

   • City of Lake Shore, 8583 Interlachen Road, Lake Shore, MN

   If you have questions, call Cass County Public Health 218-547-1340.

   If you have specific questions that you would like answered in this column or in person, please feel free to contact me anytime using one of the following methods:

   Email: [email protected]

   Phone: (218) 547-1424  1 (800) 450-2677

   By Mail/In Person:

Cass County Sheriff’s Office, 303 Minnesota Ave W, PO Box 1119,

Walker, MN 56484

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