Maplewood Police To Hold ‘Prescription Drug Take Back’ Event

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The Maplewood Police Department will host a Prescription Drug Take Back event on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Maplewood Police Headquarters.

According to a police news release, unused and expired prescription drugs may be dropped off at Maplewood Police Headquarters during the event.

Maplewood police stated:

“Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue, leading to accidental poisoning, overdose, and abuse. Pharmaceutical drugs can be just as dangerous as street drugs when taken without a prescription or a doctor's supervision.The non-medical use of prescription drugs ranks second only to marijuana as the most common form of drug abuse in America.The majority of teenagers abusing prescription drugs get them from family and friends - and the home medicine cabinet. Unused prescription drugs thrown in the trash can be retrieved and abused or illegally sold. Unused drugs that are flushed contaminate the water supply. Proper disposal of unused drugs saves lives and protects the environment. Take-back programs are the best way to dispose of old drugs.”

Residents who can’t make the event can take the following precautions:

• Take the meds out of their bottles
• Mix them with something unappealing like used kitty litter or coffee grounds
• Seal them in a bag or disposable container, and throw that away

Maplewood police said that for more information on prescription drug abuse, people can visit www.dea.gov, www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com, or www.justthinktwice.com.

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com

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