Prescription Drug Drop-Off Box Now In Berkeley, More On The Way

by Patricia A. Miller

When Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari went to clean out the medicine chest in his parents' home after his father's recent death, he was astounded by the number of medications that had accumulated.

And throwing unused prescription medications into the garbage, down the sink or in the toilet is no longer an option. Traces of prescription drugs like Percocet or Vicodin have been found in the waters of Barnegat Bay, Vicari said.

Now there's another option for Berkeley residents, so they don't have to wait for the twice-yearly drop-off program held in one of the senior community clubhouses.

"It just gives our residents another opportunity," Mayor Carmen F. Amato Jr. said.
"They can just come right here."

An old U.S. Postal Service mailbox has been transformed into Berkeley's 24-7 prescription drug drop-off box so residents can dispose of unwanted medications easily.

Berkeley Police Chief Karin T. DiMichele, Amato, Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari and members of the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office were all on hand Friday to unveil the box, which is located in the lobby of the police department on Pinewald-Keswick Road.

Berkeley is now the fifth Ocean County municipality to have a drop-off box for residents, said Al Della Fave, spokesman for the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office. And more will soon be installed in Toms River, Jackson, Long Beach Township and other towns, he said.

"It's easy, it's convenient ," Della Fave said. "Get rid of it properly. Just dispose of it."

The white box in the lobby of the police department is bolted to the floor. The lobby is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Ocean County has a large population of senior citizens, many of whom are on mulitiple prescription medications. Getting the drugs out of medicine chests lessens the likelihood that someone could break in and steal them. It may also remove "temptation" from visiting grandchildren, Vicari said.

Once the medications are placed in the box, they become the property of law enforcement. The drugs are eventually taken to a central location, where they are destroyed, officials said.

Pills, capsules, patches and pet medications can be dropped off. Mail, trash, syringes and liquids are not accepted.

Some area funeral homes are also passing out cards to customers, gently urging them to dispose of a loved ones medications after they have died.

Robert Sarin of the Timothy E. Ryan Home For Funerals said they try to "respectfully' make the suggestion.