States across the nation are developing programs for collecting leftover prescription drugs. South Carolina should consider adopting such a program.

A recent Associated Press review found that at least 20 states now have collection programs for unused medications, and several saw record hauls in 2009. Some are advocating efforts to make pharmaceutical companies foot the bill for the take-back programs, similar to state laws requiring electronics manufactures to cover costs of recycling TVs and computers.

These drug collection programs achieve two important goals: They keep drugs from being improperly disposed of and ending up in our water supply; and they keep the drugs out of the hands of those who might abuse them.

In December, York County law enforcement agencies, school districts and Keystone Substance Abuse Services joined to sponsor Operation Medicine Drop. Officers with the York County Multijurisdictional Drug Enforcement Agency were on hand at several locations across the county to collect people's unused prescription drugs and dispose of them properly.

We hope the county will hold more such events in the future. But an ongoing statewide program would be even more desirable.

In several other states, law enforcement agencies install metal drop-off boxes similar to mailboxes where people can dispose of drugs. The drugs later are collected and incinerated.

Studies have shown that even extremely diluted concentrations of pharmaceutical residues can harm fish, frogs and other aquatic species in the wild. Trace amounts of the drugs also find their way into the drinking water supply.

Prescription drugs also are becoming the drug of choice among young people. Instead of using street drugs, young people merely raid their parents' medicine cabinets. Providing disposal programs helps address both problems. State lawmakers should give the idea some thought.