The county sheriff’s office has 200 prescription medication disposal chemical packets available for county residents.

Sheriff Mike Slupe said he obtained the Deterra packets using a $500 grant from Walmart, and residents can get one for free by calling his office.

“We have plenty to give out,” Slupe said at Wednesday’s county commissioners’ meeting.

Unwanted or expired pills, liquids or films, and patches containing medication are placed inside a packet and mixed with warm water. The packet contains an environmentally friendly chemical that works with the water to dissolve the medication, Slupe said.

After the process is complete, the packet is resealed, gently shaken and discarded with normal trash, he said.

One packet is enough to dissolve 45 pills or films, 6 ounces of liquid or six patches. The dissolving process takes 30 seconds. Directions for use are printed on the packets.

The county Drug and Alcohol Programs department also has some packets, Slupe said.

The sheriff’s office can be reached at 724-284-5245.