Police to Collect Expired Prescription Drugs

Two federal programs are taking place in the upcoming weeks to help raise awareness about prescription drug abuse and to provide an opportunity for people to get rid of their outdated medications.

On Saturday, from 10am to 2pm, the and  Police Departments will be taking part in the 3rd Annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Residents can drop-off their expired or unused prescriptions at each police station.

This program, founded and coordinated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Office of Diversion Control, takes place every six months and aims to ultimately have a year-round system and outreach program for removing idle prescriptions from homes.

Last spring, residents across the country turned in more than 376,593 pounds (188 tons) of unwanted or expired medications for safe and proper disposal at the 5,361 take-back sites.

In case you miss the Oct. 29 date to turn in your expired medication, head over to the Bergen County Justice Center, 10 Main Street in Hackensack on Nov. 12, 10am to 2pm for the American Medical Challenge. The Challenge is a community based public health initiative, with law enforcement partnership, designed to raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drug abuse.