Gloucester County Drug Takeback Day Set For Saturday In Deptford

DEPTFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ — Gloucester County residents can drop off their unused and unwanted prescription medications at a drug take back day event in Deptford Township Saturday, officials announced.

Operation Take Back will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Deptford Township Municipal Building, 1101 Cooper Street in Deptford.

The event is a collaboration between Deptford police, the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office and the Gloucester County Division of Human and Disability Services.

It is part of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. In 2019, 882,919 pounds of unused and expired medication was collected for proper disposal during National Take Back Day.

Authorities estimate that about 9.9 million Americans misuse controlled prescription drugs a year.

“This event is a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs,” Gloucester County Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger said.

Only pills and other solids, such as patches can be brought to the collection sites for disposal. Liquids and needles will not be accepted. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, anyone dropping of prescription medication must wear a mask as well and the guidelines for safe distancing.

“We need to keep unused or expired medications out of the wrong hands, so please bring them down to the drop off location on October 24,” Freeholder Deputy Director Frank J. DiMarco, liaison to the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, said.

“National Take Back Day provides hundreds of people the opportunity to clean out their medicine cabinets and dispose of prescriptions in a safe and anonymous manner,” Freeholder Jim Jefferson, liaison to the Division of Human and Disability Services, said. “We encourage Gloucester County residents to take advantage of this opportunity.”

For more information, visit www.gloucestercountynj.gov or call the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office at 856-384-5500.