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Those looking to get rid of their unused, unwanted or expired medications can now properly dispose of them in a newly installed drop box located in the lobby of the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office.

The location is one of ten permanent drop box locations across the state, part of a Missouri Youth/Adult Alliance (MYAA) program to reduce prescription drug abuse.

Cindy Gunter, coalition coordinator with Pathways, said, "According to the 2010 Missouri Student Survey, one in ten youth abused prescription drugs, so it is important to do as much as we can to make these kinds of substances less available."

Proper disposal of medications can been a problem. Flushing　them pollutes the water supply.　 Throwing them in the trash makes an easy target - not only for thieves, but for pets and wildlife.　 And, due to regulations, pharmacists aren't allowed to take medications back once they've been dispensed.

"Missouri was one of the top states in the nation during the last national Drug Enforcement Agency’s take back day, collecting more than 12,000 pounds of medication," said Mona Lara, MYAA Program Director.　 "With the permanent drop boxes, citizens can dispose of unwanted drugs anytime rather than having to wait for a scheduled collection day."

Drugs can be deposited in the drop box anytime, day or night.　 There is no paperwork required.　 Just stop by the Sheriff’s Office lobby at 319 South Lamine and place the medications in the drop box.

Sheriff Kevin Bond has also established an agreement with Morgan County Sheriff Jim Petty to dispose of the collected medications in his agency’s drug incinerator.　 This allows the Sheriff’s Office to be in compliance with DEA disposal regulations.