Morris County residents will have the opportunity to safely and responsibly dispose of unused, expired, or unwanted prescription medications on Saturday, April 26, 2025, as the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and various local police departments team up for the annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This event, running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., aims to promote the secure disposal of pharmaceuticals and help reduce the potential for drug misuse in the community.
A Nationwide Effort for Safer Communities
Coordinated twice a year by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a nationwide initiative designed to provide a safe, convenient, and confidential way for residents to dispose of potentially harmful medications. By creating these easily accessible drop-off sites, the program works to combat the growing concerns surrounding prescription drug abuse.
Prescription drug misuse continues to be a serious public health issue in the United States, with many individuals turning to medications that were originally prescribed to others. The most common source of these misused drugs often comes from leftover prescriptions stored at home. By encouraging residents to clear out their medicine cabinets, National Prescription Drug Take Back Day helps reduce the likelihood of these medications falling into the wrong hands.
Local Participation in Morris County
In Morris County, law enforcement agencies are rallying together to make the event as accessible and efficient as possible. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and Morris County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with several local police departments, are setting up satellite collection sites across the county, making it easy for residents to participate.
Participating local police departments include:
- Hanover Township Police Department
- Morris Plains Police Department
- Morris Township Police Department
- Randolph Township Police Department
These departments are dedicated to ensuring that residents can dispose of their prescription medications in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.
Where to Drop Off Medications in Morris County
On April 26, residents can visit one of the following Morris County locations to drop off their unused medications:
- ACME Supermarket
690 Millbrook Ave., Randolph, NJ 07869 - ShopRite of Greater Morristown
178 East Hanover Ave., Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927 - Stop & Shop Supermarket
245 Littleton Road (U.S. 202), Morris Plains, NJ 07950
These sites will be set up from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where trained law enforcement officers will accept the medications with no questions asked, allowing for a quick, anonymous, and safe disposal process. This event is entirely free and open to all residents of Morris County.
At the end of the day, all collected medications will be turned over to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office for secure destruction. This ensures that the drugs are disposed of in a way that prevents them from harming the environment or being abused.
Year-Round Medication Disposal Options
For those unable to attend the one-day event, Morris County offers several permanent drop box locations that are available year-round for safe medication disposal. These boxes are placed at local police stations and other designated spots, allowing residents to dispose of unwanted medications whenever it’s convenient for them.
To find the nearest permanent drop-off box, residents can access a comprehensive list of locations on the Morris County website or by contacting local law enforcement agencies.
Raising Awareness About Prescription Drug Abuse
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is not only about collecting unused medications—it also serves as a key educational opportunity. By raising awareness of the dangers of prescription drug abuse, this initiative helps to empower the public with information on how to prevent misuse and keep medications out of the wrong hands.
Local law enforcement officials emphasize the importance of responsible prescription drug management, including securely storing medications and properly disposing of them when no longer needed. Prescription drug abuse can lead to addiction, overdose, and even death, and this event plays a critical role in minimizing these risks.
Help Protect Your Family and Community
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office urges all residents to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day as part of the community’s ongoing effort to create a safer environment for families and neighbors. Proper disposal of medications ensures they do not end up in the wrong hands, helping prevent accidental poisonings or intentional misuse by children, teenagers, or others in the home.
Megan Knab, Public Information Officer for the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, encourages everyone to take part. “This event is an essential part of our ongoing effort to prevent prescription drug abuse and protect our communities,” said Knab. “We hope to see a strong turnout and continue to educate our residents about the importance of safe disposal practices.”
Conclusion: A Collaborative Effort for a Safer Tomorrow
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is more than just an event for cleaning out medicine cabinets—it’s a community effort that addresses a critical public health issue. With the help of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and local police departments, this initiative provides residents with a convenient and responsible way to dispose of unwanted medications, making the county a safer place for everyone.
Remember to mark your calendars for Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and drop off any unused prescription drugs at one of the designated locations. Together, we can help reduce the risks of drug misuse, protect the environment, and promote the health and well-being of our communities.
For more information or media inquiries, contact Megan Knab at mknab@co.morris.nj.us.
