Florida county begins drug disposal program

FORT PIERCE, Fla. Officials from the sheriff’s office and fire district of St. Lucie County, Fla., have started a program to help people safely get rid of unused prescription drugs, the Vero Beach Press Journal reported.

The purpose of Operation Safe Medicine Cabinet is to prevent diversion of unused drugs for illicit purposes and water pollution.

Eight locations in the county will be open on Saturday and those dropping off medications will receive at $5 gift card from CVS, Walgreens or Wal-Mart.

The Press Journal reported that about 20 people in St. Lucie County died from taking prescription drugs between January and May.