Fall Cleanup at State Fairgrounds

Neighborhood Cleanup (download flyer here), Nationwide Drug Take-Back Event and Hazardous Waste Drop-off all on the same day at the State Fair Grounds

Hopefully, you know about our annual Neighborhood Cleanup (download flyer here) at the fairgrounds where you can get rid of everything from construction debris to electronics on September 25.   In addition, you have opportunities to remove unwanted prescription drugs and hazardous waste from your home.

On the same day in a different part of the fairgrounds, the DEA will be sponsoring the first ever nationwide Drug Take-Back event September 25 between 10 am and 2 pm. Fifteen sites in Minnesota will participate. During this time, the public will be able to dispose of expired, unwanted or unused medications, while providing us an opportunity to educate the public on medication overdose, abuse, and proper disposal.

Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue, leading to accidental poisoning, overdose, and abuse. According to the 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the non-medical use of prescription drugs ranks second only to marijuana as the most prevalent category of drug abuse in the US. This take-back event provides patients with a safe, legal way to dispose of their medications with no questions asked.

All tablets, capsules and other solid dosage forms will be collected. Intravenous solutions, injectables, and syringes will not be accepted. Patients should bring the medications in their original containers if possible. The program is anonymous and privacy will be protected.

The DEA will be covering the cost of supplies and disposal. The event will be held MN STATE FAIR GROUNDS PARKING LOT SOUTH OF THE INTERNATIONAL BAZAAR CORNER OF COMO AVE. AND UNDERWOOD ST and will be accepting drugs between 10-2pm.

Ramsey County will be holding a Hazardous Waste Collection Event at the Fairgrounds on the same day from 9 am – 4 pm. For more information about what they will collect, go to the Ramsey County site.

You will have to drive to different locations on the Fairgrounds to take advantage of these separate events.