The Island County Sheriff’s Office is now offering year-round safe disposal of prescription drugs.

On April 27, the department reported that it collected over 50 pounds of unused or unwanted prescription medication from county residents.

Studies show that the majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet, according to a press release issued by the sheriff’s office.

Disposing of prescription drugs by flushing them or throwing them in the trash creates other public health and environmental safety concerns.

Prescription pills and patches — not needles or liquids — are accepted at the Oak Harbor Police Department, sheriff’s office in Coupeville and its south precinct at 5521 E. Harbor Road, Freeland.

The service is free and anonymous.

• For information, call the sheriff’s office at 360-678-4422.