Prescription (Rx) Drugs were easily accessed and shared in recent years. However, student misuse of Rx drugs declined 1.5% among 8th graders and 3.5% among 11th graders from 2013-2016. In 2015, we launched two major projects: Expand drop box locations, and host regular Take-Back events. Over the last few years we have collected over 850 LBS of Rx drugs from Take-Back events, upgraded an existing Rx drug drop box, and added a new one at Winona Health. Over 300 volunteer hours helped make these accomplishments possible!
Safe Prescription (Rx) Disposal
If not disposed of properly, Rx drugs can harm the environment (water supply from being flushed) or become diverted and misused to sell, get high, or self-medicate. Help prevent the misuse of Rx drugs by disposing them in a local drop box! Locations, times, and details listed below.
DROP BOX LOCATIONS: Prescription drugs/controlled substances & liquid narcotics. No needles please.
- Winona County Sherrif Department: 201 W 3rd St. Winona, MN 55987
- Open 24/7
- Winona Health Clinic Pharmacy: 855 Mankato Ave. Winona, MN 55987
- Mon-Fri, 8:00am-7:30pm
- Sat. 8:30am-2:30pm
- Sun. 10:00am-2:00pm
COLLECTION CENTER: Needles accepted. Non-controlled prescriptions (including those for pets), & over-the-counter.
- Winona County Household Waste Facility: 225 W 2nd St. Winona, MN 55987
- For Winona County residents only!
- Mon – Fri, 8:00am-4:30pm
Frequently asked questions:
What can I put in the drop box?
You can dispose of controlled substances that are prescribed to you, including liquid narcotics. No needles are accepted. Residents of Winona County can take their needles to Winona County Household Waste Facility (225 W 2nd St. Winona, MN 55987).
See a list of controlled substances:
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) list of controlled substances
What does the Hazardous Waste Center take?
The Winona County Household Waste Facility accepts non-controlled prescriptions (including those for pets), over-the-counter medications and sharps from Winona County residents only.
See a full list of items accepted:
Hazardous Waste Center – Medication Disposal Program
For questions, contact:
Winona County Household Waste Facility
Kim Nelson
507-457-6462
Drop box locations
Winona ASAP
507-474-2727
Prescription (Rx) Drug Take-Back Events
Take-Back events are free events for community members to safely dispose of prescription drugs. Large events are hosted in April and October each year, and allow anyone to drop off unused or expired Rx drugs. If you would like to host a smaller event for your organization please contact the Program Coordinator at [email protected] or 507-474-2727.
From April 2016 to October 2019 we collected 897 LBS of Rx Drugs from 700 event attendees. Over 300 volunteer hours were generated to plan and host events.
Past event photos:
