diff --git a/init.lua b/init.lua
index 71ccc48..a6423c1 100644
--- a/init.lua
+++ b/init.lua
@@ -85,6 +85,13 @@ function minetest.handle_node_drops(pos, drops, digger)
 					z = -z
 				end
 				obj:setvelocity({x=1/x, y=obj:getvelocity().y, z=1/z})
+				
+				-- FIXME this doesnt work for deactiveted objects
+				if minetest.setting_get("remove_items") and tonumber(minetest.setting_get("remove_items")) then
+					minetest.after(tonumber(minetest.setting_get("remove_items")), function(obj)
+						obj:remove()
+					end, obj)
+				end
 			end
 		end
 	end