“We are seeing [a] strong and growing demand from New Jersey residents who understand the potential dangers posed by unused medications and who wish to dispose of them safely and securely,” acting state Attorney General John J. Hoffman recently said.
Covanta Energy, a nationwide operator of energy-from-waste and renewable energy facilities, destroys the dropped-off medications at no cost to taxpayers or to the participating departments.
Before this, most people flushed their unused prescription drugs down the toilet, threw them in the trash, or kept them in the household medicine cabinet. This contaminated the water supply, helped start and feed habits — often for children — and tempted thieves.
The medication can either be disposed of in its original container or be removed and placed in the disposal box.
Liquids should be disposed of in the original container -- with the cap tightly sealed to prevent leakage.
The majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet, authorities warn.
"Project Medicine Drop" is sponsored by more than 100 police departments, sheriff’s offices and State Police barracks in New Jersey.In Passaic County:
Bloomingdale Police, 101 Hamburg Turnpike
Hawthorne Police, 445 Lafayette Avenue
Little Falls Police, 225 Main Street
North Haledon Police, 103 Overlook Avenue
Passaic County Sheriff's Office (3): 401 Grand Street, Paterson; 11 Sheriff's Plaza, Paterson; 435 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne
Passaic Police, 330 Passaic Street
Ringwood Police, 60 Margaret King Avenue
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