Community Response to Operation Prescription Drug Take Back Day Remains Consistent

Published on October 30, 2017

On Saturday, October 28, 2017, from 10:00am to 2:00pm, members from the Morris County Prosecutor's Office partnered with members from the Morris County Sheriff's Office, Morris Plains Borough Police Department, Morris Township Police Department and the Randolph Township Police Department to participate in the 14th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

This bi-annual effort sponsored by law enforcement encourages individuals to anonymously turn in unused, unwanted and expired drugs into secure drop boxes located at designated locations in Morris County. It proves to be a safe, responsible and environmentally sound way to dispose of these drugs, which remain secure and under law enforcement control until they are incinerated.

Oftentimes, drug abuse begins in the medicine cabinet. Eliminating this source of drugs has been a step in the right direction of curbing abuse, and Operation Prescription Drug Take Back Day continues to lend itself towards this goal, said Prosecutor Knapp.

A total of 509 pounds of drugs were collected during this four hour event from three designated drop box locations, including the Cedar Knolls Shop-Rite in Hanover Township, the Morris Plains Stop and Shop Supermarket, and the ACME Supermarket in Randolph. In comparison, 372 pounds were collected from three locations during this year's previous event held in April. Countywide, April's event yielded 726 pounds, while this event yielded 888 pounds.

For the convenience of our citizens, permanent drop boxes are located throughout Morris County for year around use. A list can be found at, http://safehealthymorris.org/dropbox/.

Inquiries concerning this press release should be directed to First Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Zelante at pressinquiry@co.morris.nj.us or 973-285-6200.