Ditch The Vapes, Unused Medicine At Wayne Drug Take-Back Events

WAYNE, NJ — Residents looking to rid themselves of expired or unwanted medication can safely dispose of them at a drug take-back event later this month around Wayne. Sites will also collect vapes and other e-cigarette devices.

The initiative is part of the Drug Enforcement Administration's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which will run Oct. 29. Collection sites will operate from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The DEA and U.S. Department of Justice coordinate Operation Take Back semi-annually. During Take Back Days, law enforcement at the state, county and local levels run prescription-drug dropoff locations throughout the nation.

The goal of Operation Take Back is to encourage the public to anonymously turn over unneeded prescription medicine for proper disposal. Here's where law enforcement will run collection sites around Wayne from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 29:

• Wayne Police Department (475 Valley Rd., Wayne, main entrance)
• Passaic County Sheriff's Office (435 Hamburg Tpke., Wayne)
• Pompton Lakes Police Department (25 Lenox Ave., Pompton Lakes)
• Fairfield Police Department (230 Fairfield Rd., Fairfield)
• Paterson Police Department (111 Broadway, Paterson)

The DEA will only collect vape pens and other e-cigarettes from individual consumers after the batteries are removed. If the battery can't be removed, consumers can check with large electronic chain stores that may accept the devices for proper disposal. Individuals can also contact their local hazardous-materials management facility to see if they accept the devices and for additional guidance on their disposal.