Washington County residents may soon dispose of their unused and expired medications at a year-round collection drop box in the county Sheriff's Office.

The Washington County Board of Commissioners received an update on the new program at its meeting March 27.

Old and unused medicines in a home can pose a risk for accidental poisoning, theft, and drug abuse. Instead of flushing or throwing them in the trash, residents may drop the drugs off for safe and free disposal.

The Sheriff's Office and the Department of Public Health and Environment began collecting unused pharmaceuticals for proper disposal April 2. The collection point will be in the Washington County Law Enforcement Center lobby in Stillwater.

Washington County is in need of an ongoing system for the safe disposal of pharmaceutical drug waste. Residents frequently call the county seeking instructions and advice on proper disposal methods and drugs show up routinely at the Washington County Environmental Center. Pharmaceutical and drug disposal questions top the list of requested services from customers at the Washington County Environmental Center.

The Washington County Sherriff’s Office has participated in several Federal Drug Enforcement Agency "drug take back" events with support from the Department of Public Health and Environment. Having them work collaboratively on this problem fits with the mission of both.

The Unused Medication Drop Box is in the Sheriff’s Office Main Lobby in the Law Enforcement Center at 15015 62nd St. N., Stillwater. The drop box will be available 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Medications accepted include prescription, over-the-counter and pet medication. Staff at the Sheriff's Office will secure the medications and take them to a waste-to-energy facility that is licensed to burn this type of waste.

For more information on what’s accepted and what’s not, and preparing medications for drop off, go to www.co.washington.mn.us/meds.