Ditch Unused, Expired Medicine At Parsippany Drug Take-Back

PARSIPPANY, NJ — Residents looking to rid themselves of expired or unwanted medication can safely dispose of them at a drug take-back event next month around Parsippany. 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 on April 22. Collection sites will operate from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Operation Take Back is coordinated semi-annually by the DEA and the US Department of Justice. Throughout the country on Take Back Days, law enforcement at the state, county, and local levels operate prescription-drug drop-off sites.

Participants may dispose of their medication in its original container or directly in the disposal box. All solid-dosage pharmaceutical products as well as liquids in consumer containers are acceptable.

Cough syrup and other liquid products should be kept in their original containers, officials said.

The DEA will only collect vape pens and other e-cigarettes from individual consumers after the batteries have been removed. If the battery cannot be removed, consumers can check with large electronic chain stores to see if they will accept the devices for proper disposal.

Because of the risk of blood-borne pathogens, intravenous solutions, injectables, and syringes will not be accepted.

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 Parsippany from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 22:

• Morris Hills Shopping Center (3085-3189 Route 46, Parsippany)