'Operation Takeback' to Get Underway This Morning

The Cedar Grove and Verona Police Departments will be hosting local collection site as part of the Operation Take Back New Jersey Medicine Disposal Day. The event will take place this Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the lobby of the Municipal Building at 525 Pompton Ave., Cedar Grove, as well as the lobby of Township Hall in Verona, 600 Bloomfield Ave.,  Verona.

This initiative, open to allresidents, was organized to encourage residents to properly dispose of theirunused, unwanted and expired medicine.

The Operation Take Back New Jersey Initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are increasing at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away, both potential safety and health hazards.

This statewide effort, with many New Jersey Police Departments participating, is being spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New Jersey Division. Residents looking for more information on theprogram should visit www.dea.com. Please contact Lt. Joseph Cirasa at 973-239-4100 if you have any questions or need assistance.