Over 2,000 Pounds of Prescriptions Dropped At Madison Police Department

MADISON, NJ— The Madison Police Department has collected over 2,000 pounds of unwanted prescription medication since installing their drop box in June 2013, police said in a statement.

The MedReturn box is in the lobby of the police department, where residents can anonymously drop off any unwanted or expired prescription medications. These drop-boxes are becoming more popular in police departments as a way to curb prescription drug abuse.

"Since its inception the box has been emptied 54 times with an unofficial weight of 2222 pounds. That is a lot of medication that has been disposed of safely and kept out of waterways and landfills!" Lieutenant John Miscia said.

“Collecting over 1 ton of medication in our department alone shows the enormous amount of medication that is out there. This program affords our citizens with an environmentally sound disposal option which lowers the chances of diversion," Madison Police Chief Darren Dachisen.

About 52 million Americans use prescriptions drugs outside of the reason they were prescribed at least once in their lifetimes, with some abusing them. Every day 50 Americans die from prescription painkiller overdoses.

The Madison Police Headquarters is located at 62 Kings Road, and the box is available to both residents and nonresidents.

Images via Shutterstock, Madison Police