More Ways to Get Rid of Old Meds

In case you missed the Medicine Disposal Day in Verona and Cedar Grove on Saturday, September 29, there are still more ways to get rid of that unused and unwanted medicine.

Project Medicine Drop, an initiative of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, expanded to West Essex this month with a new drop-off site established in North Caldwell.

“Its important to clear out your medicine cabinets for several reasons,” said Captain Mitchell Stern of the Verona Police Department. “It is important to cut down the illegal use of prescription medication but it is just as important to stop people from taken the wrong medication by accident.”

Just inside the entrance to the North Caldwell Police Department at 136 Gould Ave., a white metal box similiar to a mailbox has been placed for the public to dispose of unwanted and expired prescription drugs. Drop-offs can be made question-free 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The box is under 24-hour camera surveillance and is locked and bolted to the ground, according to Chief Mark Deuer.

"They wanted in Essex to get one suburban and one urban town," Deuer said, adding that he volunteer his agency to participate in the initiative. A second Project Medicine Drop is located across the county at the Belleville Police Station.

Every two weeks, participating police departments are required to empty the boxes and transport the drugs to designated locations where they will be destroyed. 

The goal of the initiative is two-fold.

According to the Division of Consumer Affairs, "This opportunity prevents unused medications from falling into the hands of those who might abuse them, and it keeps them from being flushed into the water supply."

There are now 27 Project Medicine Drop locations in every county in New Jersey (see attached PDF). An additional seven sites are scheduled to be added in early 2013.

For more information, visit www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov/meddrop.