The Middletown Township Police Department will once again participate in the “National Take Back Initiative” in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New Jersey Division, and other state and local law enforcement agencies, Chief R. Craig Weber announced.
The program will occur Saturday, October 26 from 10:00am until 2:00pm at the Middletown Township Police Headquarters, located at 1 Kings Highway.
The goal of the National Take Back Initiative is to provide a safe opportunity for citizens to rid their homes of unused, unwanted, or expired medications by turning these medications over to law enforcement officials for disposal in a non-hazardous manner.
In October last year, New Jersey collected 14,449 pounds of unwanted medication with 240 participating state and local departments, making the bi-annual event a continued success and great benefit to the community.
Participants may dispose of medication(s) in the original container, or by removing the medication from the container and disposing of it directly into the disposal box. Individuals are encouraged to remove any identifying information from prescription labels that may be present. All solid dosage pharmaceutical products and liquids may be accepted. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container.
Intra-venous solutions, injectables, and syringes will not be accepted due to potential hazards posed by blood-borne pathogens. E-cigarette and vaping devices can also be disposed of only after the batteries are removed.
Middletown Police thanks those who participate in this event, and encourages residents to be mindful of any medications that may be in their households and take precautions to keep them out of the reach of small children.
