Project Medicine Drop Box A Success, Police Chief Says

Residents have disposed of nearly 3,000 pounds of unwanted prescription medication in the three years the Lacey Township Police Departments "Project Medicine Drop" box has been in existence, Police Chief David A. Paprota said.

The box provides residents with a method to properly dispose of unwanted medication in a safe and legal manner, the chief said.

The number of medications dropped off has steadily increased each year since the box was installed in the lobby of police headquarters.

2015 1,309 pounds

2014 926 pounds

2013 723 pounds

"The success of the program is due to the increasing participation by township residents to responsibly dispose of expired medications," Paprota said. "Once dropped in the box, the bulk quantity of medications accumulated is weighed and then transported to one of two designated incinerator facilities in either Newark or Rahway, New Jersey."

Residents may bring their unwanted medication to the lobby of police headquarters 24 hours a day, seven days a week and drop it in the clearly marked box. No syringes or liquids are permitted. the box is for medication only, the chief said.

The program is anonymous and no record will be made of discarded medication. Residents simply need to enter headquarter, drop the medications in the designated box, and leave without checking in with police dispatch.

The box is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.