Full Notification

PERTH AMBOY, NJ— The City of Perth Amboy is participating in the second National Take Back Initiative, headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) of the United States Department of Justice.

This initiative is in efforts of preventing drug abuse, by providing drop-off locations where citizens can dispose of their unwanted, unused, or expired medications in a safe place and to remove these potentially hazardous substances from illegal and unsafe use. The Perth Amboy Police Department (lobby), located on 365 New Brunswick Avenue is a designated drop-off location for medication on Saturday, April 30th from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

As stated on the DEA’s website, “More than seven million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Each day, approximately, 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.”

It is also important to know that one must NOT recycle prescription and over-the-counter medications. Also, do NOT dispose down the drain or toilet, as this may cause water pollution. If you are to dispose of medications in the trash, please follow guidelines below for promotion of a healthy aquatic environment and prevention of accidental poisoning and/or intentional abuse.

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Guidelines for Proper Disposal of Household Medications:

1. Mark out personal information on prescription container(s)
2. Mix with water and coffee grinds, cat litter or dirt
3. Place in a solid colored container
4. Place in trash where is not visible to others

The first National Prescription Drug Take Back Day was held on September 25, 2010, since that time a total of 121 tons of pills have been collected.

For additional information about:
City of Perth Amboy, please visit: www.ci.perthamboy.nj.us;
National Take Back Initiative visit: www.dea.gov;
DEP Solid & Hazardous Waste Program: (609) - 633-1418.