Chatham Police Offer Safe Disposal of Prescription Drugs

In light of the prescription pill addiction epidemic that continues to grow across the state, the Chatham Township Police Department now offers local residents the opportunity to dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired prescription medication in the police station lobby at any time.

“Although the drop box is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the easiest and most convenient times for you to dispose of your medication are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., when the lobby is unlocked,” Chatham Police stated online.

Results from the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) (PDF | 3.2 MB) show that about 15.3 million people 12 or older used prescription drugs non-medically in the past year.

A similar study conducted by the same organization in 2011 revealed more than 70 percent of people abusing prescription pain relievers got them through friends or relatives, a statistic that includes raiding the family medicine cabinet.

By disposing prescriptions at the Police Department, dangerous medications are kept out of the wrong hands and out of local waterways. This protects the environment and those at risk of gaining access to the medications.

The Chatham Township Police Department is located at 401 Southern Boulevard. The Police Department can be reached at 973-377-0100.

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