Madison PD Helps Clean Out Medicine Cabinets

When residents were invited to drop off expired or unwanted medications at the Madison Police Department as part of Operation Take Back in April, people responded by bringing them about 130 pounds of of pharmaceuticals.

On Saturday, the national program is back and residents once again are being encouraged to clean out their medicine cabinets and bring unwanted medications to the police department for safe and environmentally friendly disposal.

"This very important program helps to sever the supply line of pharmaceuticals to our youth as well as keeping these substances out of our water supply," police have said.

The Madison Police Department and the New Jersey Drug Enforcement Administration host Operation Take Back from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at police headquarters, 62 Kings Road.

Residents are encouraged to bring expired or unwanted medications to the police department, where officers will be stationed in the lobby collecting the medications to properly dispose of them and prevent them from falling into the hands of youths.

The program is anonymous and residents are asked to remove labels that contain personal information if possible. Medications may be left in the original containers if desired. Liquid products should remain tightly sealed when discarded.

No needles or sharp instruments will be accepted. Collected material will be disposed of using an environmentally friendly process, an announcement for the program says. For more information visit www.dea.gov or contact Lt. Darren Dachisen or Detective Paul Kosakowski at 973-593-3000.