HUNTERDON COUNTY, N.J. — Authorities in Hunterdon County collected 234 pounds of unused and expired prescription medications during a recent National Take Back Day initiative, officials said.
The event, held April 25 and coordinated locally by the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office and Sheriff’s Office, is part of a nationwide effort sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to provide a safe way to dispose of medications and reduce the risk of misuse.
Residents dropped off unwanted prescription drugs at collection sites set up at police departments and public buildings throughout the county.
Officials said the April collection brings the total amount of medications gathered in Hunterdon County to 783 pounds since October 2025.
The initiative is a collaborative effort involving county law enforcement, local police departments and the Safe Communities Coalition.
According to the DEA, most misused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, often from home medicine cabinets. Improper disposal methods, such as flushing medications or throwing them in the trash, can also pose environmental and safety risks.
Authorities encouraged residents to continue using designated disposal programs to safely remove unused medications from their homes.
