MONROE The Township announced Monday that it has joined the New Jersey Attorney Generals "Project Medicine Drop" Initiative, and has installed a Project Medicine Drop box in Monroe Township Police Departments Lobby area.

Todays announcement makes it easier and more convenient for township residents to take an active role in the fight against the nationwide epidemic of opiate and heroin abuse that is often fueled by the abuse of prescription painkillers, according to a press release.

"Project Medicine Drop is part of our commitment to continue improvement of the quality of life and public safety in Monroe Township," said Monroe Townships Police Chief Michael Lloyd. "Medicines that languish in home cabinets are susceptible to misuse and abuse. The Medicine Drop box will give our residents the opportunity to help prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of expired, unused and unwanted prescription medication in a safe and healthy manner."

The Police Departments new Project Medicine Drop Box is located at police headquarters, 3 Municipal Plaza, according to the release.

Residents may visit the Police Department at any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year to dispose of their unused or expired medications, the release said.

Through this initiative, the State Division of Consumer Affairs installs secure "prescription drug drop boxes" at police departments, sheriffs offices, and State Police barracks across New Jersey, allowing citizens to safely dispose of their unused, excess, or expired prescription medications.

Members of the public are invited to visit the Project Medicine Drop sites and drop off any unused prescription medications anonymously and with no questions asked.

Most Project Medicine Drop sites make this service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year, according to the release.

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 Jerseys environment by keeping these drugs out of landfills and out of the water supply, according to the release.

See the original post here:

MONROE: Township police install medicine drop box