Medication Disposal

​​​​​​​​The Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, Attorney’s Office and Environmental Resources, along with our law enforcement partners, have teamed together to offer the public a place to safely and anonymously dispose of prescription drugs.

Go to the Recycling Guide (search 'medication') for drop-off locations and hours​​

Drop-off instructions

• Keep medicines in their original container and place them in a sealed, clear plastic bag (pills can remain in their blister packs).
• Use a marker to cross out your name on the medicine containers.
• Place medicine that is no longer in its original container in a clear plastic bag and write the name of the medicine on the bag.

Drop-off is safe and anonymous. No ID is required and no questions will be asked.

Medicines only accepted from households

Medicines from households are accepted in any form, including prescription, over-the-counter and pet medications.

No medicines from businesses, including health care facilities, long-term care facilities, pharmacies, doctors' offices and veterinary clinics can be accepted.

Accepted at The Recycling Zone

​The following items aren't accepted at drop-off locations. Take them to The Recycling Zone.

• Home sharps (needles, syringes and lancets) — Place sharps into a rigid container such as plastic laundry detergent bottle with the lid taped shut and label the container "Do not recycle: household sharps."
• Thermometers
  

• E-cigarettes and vaping devices (nicotine only)​
  

Bring these items to The Recycling Zone, 3365 Dodd Road, Eagan for free, environmentally safe disposal.

Not accepte​d

​Place these items in your trash.​

• Empty prescription bottles​​