New “Project Medicine Drop” box located at Clayton police headquarters

The box allows residents to safely dispose of unused, excess or expired medications to help prevent prescription drug abuse

A new “Project Medicine Drop” box has been installed at Clayton’s police headquarters.

“By giving residents a safe and secure method to dispose of unneeded medications, ‘Project Medicine Drop’ helps prevent the abuse of these drugs,” Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger said. “This initiative also protects New Jersey’s environment by keeping these drugs out of landfills and out of the water supply.”

“This drop box makes it easier and more convenient for Clayton residents to take an active role in the fight against the nationwide epidemic of opiate and heroin abuse, which is often fueled by the abuse of prescription painkillers, including highly addictive opiate painkillers,” said Freeholder Jim Jefferson, liaison to the Department of Health and Human Services.

Jefferson said $500 in funding for the Medicine Drop box was provided by the Gloucester County Municipal Alliance.

The Clayton Police Department, with the support of Mayor Tom Bianco and council and Gloucester County Board of Chosen Freeholders, have partnered with the state Attorney General’s Office and have obtained a Medicine Drop box.

Bianco said the police department’s new “Project Medicine Drop” box is located at 125 North Delsea Drive, Clayton. Residents may visit the Clayton 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 medications anonymously and with no questions asked. Project Medicine Drop Box is clearly labeled and is placed directly in front of the police departments lobby.

“I am asking for the community’s help,” Bianco said. “Many residents of all ages have unused, excess or expired medication lying around the house. Please check your homes and use this new resource to safely dispose of unneeded medications.”

“Since the installation of the Medication Drop Box, I have been astounded by the success of the program. We have already collected three trash bags of medication that can be destroyed. This was without making any announcements in the media,” Clayton Police Chief Andrew Davis said. “As the chief of police, a citizen and a parent, I am grateful for the residents taking the time to safeguard themselves, the environment and their loved ones. It is my hope that once word spreads even more residents will take advantage of this program.”

Other municipalities that have used their county Municipal Alliance funding for Medicine Drop Boxes include Westville and Woodbury.