Project Medicine Drop
In December 2014, Springfield Police Chief John Cook announced that Springfield has joined the New Jersey Attorney General’s “Project Medicine Drop” initiative, and has installed a permanent Project Medicine Drop box in the lobby at police headquarters, 100 Mountain Avenue. Residents may visit the Springfield Police Department at any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, to dispose of their unused, excess or expired prescription medications anonymously and with no questions asked. This permanent drop box makes it easier and more convenient than ever for Springfield residents to take an active role in the fight against the nationwide epidemic of opiate and heroin abuse, which often is fueled by the abuse of prescription painkillers.
- Only household medications will be accepted.
- Pills, capsules, patches, and pet medications are acceptable.
- Liquids are acceptable provided they are securely held in either a bottle or other type of container.
- Mail, trash or syringes are not acceptable (please see the Safe Syringe Disposal Guide at http://www.nj.gov/health/ceohs/documents/safe_syringe_disposal.pdf).
The Police Department also has a mobile drop box that can be brought to locations throughout the township for the convenience of residents. An example is the take-back day held for Senior Citizens at the Chisholm Community Center.
Special Project Medicine Drop Take-Back Days are held throughout the year and are announced on the Township website.
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’s offices, and State Police barracks across New Jersey, allowing citizens to safely dispose of their unused, excess, or expired prescription medications. 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 http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca2/meddrop/.