Dispose Of Unwanted Prescription Drugs At Franklin Lakes PD

FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ -Police, in conjunction with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, will host a prescription medication drop off event, giving the public a chance to dispose of unused pills.

The annual "Operation Take Back" collection will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the lobby of police headquarters, 221 Franklin Turnpike.

Unused prescription medication, including pills, capsules, patches and pet medications can be dropped off, however no liquids, syringes or medical waste will be accepted. Residents are asked to empty their unwanted pills from the original containers and secure them in a plastic zipper storage bag prior to coming to headquarters and depositing the medication into the collection box.

Those who wish to dispose of those items should contact their doctor or pharmacist to find the safest and best ways to do so.

Additionally, only legal prescription or over-the-counter medications are accepted. Those who want to get rid of any illicit drug should follow the normal procedure of reporting it to the police.

Operation Take Back is part of a national initiative to curb prescription drug abuse. It allows for the public to drop off any unused prescription medications anonymously and with no questions asked.

Following the 17th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day last fall, more than 11.8 million pounds – or 5,900 tons – of unwanted or expired medications have been collected at 6,300 sites across the country, according to the DEA.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the Take Back Day event, go to www.DEATakeBack.com