‘Operation Take-Back’ in West Orange

f West Orange will be participating with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in their ‘Operation Take-Back’ campaign this weekend, Mayor Robert Parisi announced. 

Unused, expired and unwanted prescription drugs will be collected Saturday for destruction at West Orange Police Headquarters Lobby, located at 60 Main Street, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Each year we participate in the Operation Take-Back campaign to provide a safe way for residents to dispose of their unwanted prescription drugs,” said Parisi. “The Township is committed to doing everything we can to make our communities safer, and this initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.”

Medicines in the home are a leading cause of accidental poisoning and flushed or trashed medicines can end up polluting our waters. Rates of prescription drug abuse are alarmingly high. Over half of teens abusing medicines get them from a family member or friend, including the home medicine cabinet, and often without their knowledge. 

Other participants in this initiative include the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy; the Partnership for a Drug-Free America; the International Association of Chiefs of Police; the National Association of Attorneys General; the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy; the Federation of State Medical Boards; and the National District Attorneys Association.

Visit www.takebackyourmeds.org to learn more about the program.