In the past, people were told to dump unwanted medications down the drain or put it in the trash. We now know that these options could have serious consequences.

Roseville police officers and firefighters have free medication disposal bags available for residents to dispose of small quantities of medication. Bags can hold up to 90 pills, or 12 ounces of liquid medication, or 12 transdermal patches. The bags contain activated carbon that neutralizes the medication and prevents it from contaminating groundwater.

Medication disposal bags are available during regular business hours at the Roseville Police Department, 2660 Civic Center Drive, or at the Roseville Fire Station, 2701 Lexington Ave.

Any quantity of unwanted, expired or unused medications can be safely disposed of for free at the following Ramsey County locations:

• Law Enforcement Center, 425 Grove St., St. Paul
• Sheriff’s Patrol Station, 1411 Paul Kirkwold Dr., Arden Hills
• North St. Paul City Hall, 2400 Margaret Street, North St. Paul
• Maplewood Police Department, 1830 County Road B East, Maplewood
• While Bear Lake Police and Fire, 4701 Highway 61, White Bear Lake

More information, hours, directions and details are available at RamseyRecycles.com or 651-633-EASY (3279), answered 24/7.