Operation Take Back: Drop Off Unwanted Drugs Saturday

It’s that time of year again - and no I’m not talking about fall, I’m talking about cleaning out your medicine cabinet and discarding of your expired and unneeded prescription medication.

The Manalapan Police Department is partnering with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to collect unused, expired or unwanted prescription drugs that could be potentially dangerous.

Unused or expired drugs become a hazard to the environment when flushed down the toilet or sink and could potentially be used for pill abuse if not properly disposed of.

Please drop off your unused, unwanted prescription drugs at the Manalapan Police Department within the Manalapan Township Municipal Building or at the Englishtown Police Department within the Englishtown Municipal Building between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29.

"In 2009, New Jersey opened its medicine cabinets and we collected over 9,000 pounds of medicine that was unwanted," John McCabe Jr., acting Special Agent in charge of DEA NJ Division said. "We are very excited about the continued support brought on by Operation Take Back New Jersey, and we hope all citizens will take time to eliminate any and all medicines that are not suitable for proper medical use."

The program began based on national studies about the rising misuse of prescription painkillers. According to the news release, between 2004 and 2008, the number of visits to the hospital involving the non-medical use of narcotic painkillers increased 111 percent.

Please be sure to remove any personal identification on the prescription bottles before you drop them off. This service is free and no questions are asked. No pre-registration is required.