Lawrence residents now have a safe option for getting rid of unused prescription drugs year-round, five days a week.

Instead of waiting for a law enforcement-sponsored “Drug Take-Back Day” to come around twice each year, residents can take any unwanted drugs and prescription medications, no questions asked, to a permanent drop box at the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center at 111 E. 11th St., near the doors to the Douglas County District Court.

The drop box, purchased by Draw the Line Lawrence, a local group working to fight drug and alcohol abuse among young people, was installed by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and will be available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5p.m., except on holidays.

The sheriff’s office has said it will accept and safely dispose of prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbal remedies, supplements, veterinary drugs and lotions or liquids in leak-proof containers.

The MedReturn collection box installed by the sheriff’s office is similar to those used in other Kansas cities, in Missouri and several other states. The sheriff’s office said the drop-box is not meant to accept needles, thermometers, hydrogen peroxide, aerosol cans and inhalers, personal care products, infectious waste or illegal drugs. Residents should remove or obscure personal information on any labels, said Lt. Steve Lewis, a sheriff’s office spokesman.

The drop box is meant to take prescription drugs out of the hands of those who would abuse them, prevent accidental poisonings, and keep the chemicals contained in the drugs from making their way into water supplies and the environment.

For more information, call the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office at 785-841-0007 or visit the sheriff’s office website here.