Police Taking Back Unused Prescriptions

Madison residents will have the opportunity to dispose of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs by bringing them to the , 62 Kings Road, on Saturday, April 28, according to a borough police news release.

The drop-off is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is being conducted in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration as part of an effort to prevent pill abuse and theft.

The service is free and anonymous.

During an event last October, Americans turned in more than 188 tons of prescriptions drugs at thousands of sites across the U.S.

The news release said having a safe way to dispose of medications is crucial for public safey, and that usual methods such as flushing them or throwing them in the garbage pose potential safety and health hazards.

"This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue," the news release said. "Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet."

While new regulations to handle drug disposal are in the works, local police and the DEA plan to hold prescription drug take-back events every few months, the announcement said.