Warren Police To Collect Unwanted Prescription Drugs

WARREN, NJ — Warren Police Department will be collecting unwanted prescription medications on Saturday, April 24 where residents can safely dispose of their unused, unwanted and expired prescription medications.

A medication collection site will be hosted from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the lobby of police headquarters, 44 Mountain Blvd., in Warren.

Liquids, needles or sharps can not be accepted, only pills or patches. The collection is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Vape pens or other e-cigarette devices will also be collected, only after batteries have been removed from the devices. If batteries cannot be removed from the device, residents can check with the large electronic chain stores who may accept these devices for proper disposal.

"This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. 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," according to Warren Police.

"Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines — flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash — both pose potential safety and health hazards," said police.

For questions contact Lt. Herbert Hentschel at 908-753-1000.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.