BLOOMFIELD, NJ — The township of Bloomfield on Monday, Aug. 15, announced that it has joined the New Jersey Attorney General’s “Project Medicine Drop” initiative, and has installed a stationary prescription medicine drop box at Police Headquarters. Residents may visit Police Headquarters, located at 1 Municipal Plaza, at any time to dispose of their unused or excess medications. The township will also be utilizing a mobile drop box, which will be used at public events and gatherings hosted in the community.
“Prescription drug abuse is a major issue in our state that contributes to the heroin- and opiate-addiction epidemic that is tearing apart so many families,” said Mayor Michael Venezia. “Bloomfield is joining the Project Medicine Drop initiative to do our part to fight back against drug abuse by ensuring that unwanted medications are safely disposed of before they can fall into the wrong hands.”
Project Medicine Drop is an important component of the New Jersey Attorney General’s effort to stop the diversion and abuse of prescription drugs, including highly addictive opiate painkillers.
Through this initiative, the state Division of Consumer Affairs installs secure “prescription drug drop boxes” at police departments, sheriff offices, and State Police barracks across New Jersey, allowing citizens to safely dispose of their unused, excess, or expired prescription medications.
“The Bloomfield Police Department is focused on not just investigating crime, but to proactively reducing it to keep our residents safe,” said Police Director Samuel DeMaio. “This initiative fits that mission well by taking steps to keep potentially dangerous drugs out of the wrong hands. We are encouraging all residents to make use of the convenient drop-off options and help us prevent addiction and abuse of prescription medicines.”
Members of the public are invited to visit the Project Medicine Drop sites and drop off any unused prescription medications anonymously and with no question asked. Most project Medicine Drop sites make this service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.
By giving New Jerseyans a safe and secure method to dispose of unneeded medications, Project Medicine Drop helps prevent the abuse of these drugs.
This initiative also protects New Jersey’s environment by keeping these drugs out of landfills and out of the water supply. More information about Project Medicine Drop, including the full list of Project Medicine Drop locations, can be found at www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov/meddrop.
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