Ramsey County is debuting a year-round medicine collection program to help fight prescription drug abuse and accidental poisoning.

It is the first year-round program of its kind in the metro area, according to the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities said that expired or unused medicines will be collected at two locations Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.:

• The Law Enforcement Center, 425 Grove St., St. Paul,

• The Sheriff's Patrol Station, 1411 Paul Kirkwood Dr., Arden Hills.

Authorities warned that improper disposal of drugs, such as flushing them down a toilet or tossing them in the garbage, is dangerous to the local water supply and to the environment.

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