The state program places secure medication collection boxes at participating police departments, providing a way to dispose of legal prescription and over-the-counter medications safely, securely and anonymously. Residents may use any participating Project Medicine Drop location in New Jersey, regardless of where they live. The boxes are intended to be accessible every day of the year, though residents should confirm local police-department access before making a trip.
Proper disposal matters for several reasons. Medications kept beyond the time they are needed can be misused, accidentally consumed or stolen. Throwing them in household trash can create another opportunity for them to be recovered, while flushing medicines down a sink or toilet can introduce pharmaceutical residue into water systems. A secure collection box keeps medication out of the home and places it into an established disposal process.
Project Medicine Drop boxes accept solid medications, including pills, capsules, patches, inhalers and pet medications. They do not accept liquids, syringes or other medical waste. Residents with items that cannot go into a box should ask a pharmacist or health-care provider about the safest disposal method.
Before visiting a collection site, residents should remove or cover identifying personal information on prescription labels. Keeping medicines in one secure location at home and taking periodic inventory can also help families recognize when items are no longer needed.
To find a participating collection box, visit NJConsumerAffairs.gov/meddrop and use the state’s location information. The small step of cleaning out a medicine cabinet can help protect children, pets, visitors and the wider community while making home medication storage safer.