Clean out your medicine cabinet, save a life!

In 2023, overdoses claimed more than 107,000 lives, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. About 70% of these deaths were attributed to fentanyl, heroin, and other opioids, including prescription pain medications.

On Saturday, 4-26-25, the Howell Township Police Department and Howell Alliance are recognizing the DEA's National Drug Take-Back Day by encouraging Howell community members to dispose of their unwanted medications in the anonymous, 24/7 Project Medicine Drop box permanently located at police headquarters at 300 Old Tavern Road in Howell.

The DEA holds two Take-Back Days nationwide each year in an effort to keep unwanted, unused, and expired prescription and over-the-counter medications out of the wrong hands, which can lead to misuse and substance use disorders. For example, about 2,500 youth in the U.S. every day take a prescription pain reliever to intentionally get high for the very first time.

“In Howell, we diligently promote the immediate disposal of unwanted medications year-round. This is why we have opted to route our community members to our Project Medicine Drop box at police headquarters on National Drug Take-Back Day, the same as we do every other day of the year, for consistent messaging,” said Chief John Storrow of Howell Township Police Department. “This also ensures that people with good intentions don’t stockpile unwanted medications while waiting for Take-Back Day each spring and fall.”

From 2019 to 2024, the Howell community disposed of 2,923 pounds of unwanted medications, thanks to collaborative efforts by the Howell Township Police Department, Howell Alliance, and community members.

When dropping off medications, please remove or black out personal information. Liquids, needles, and syringes are NOT accepted in the drop box (see below for more information on disposing of these items).

House-bound residents can the Howell police’s non-emergency number at 732-938-4111 to schedule an at-home pick-up of unwanted medications. This innovative disposal option was created especially for seniors and other residents who cannot physically get to the police department.

In addition, the Howell Alliance distributes free, easy-to-use drug disposal packets for immediate at-home disposal of unwanted medications. These are available using the Alliance’s number below, or dropping by the Alliance’s information and resources board at town hall (on the right wall just before the clerk’s office window). People are encouraged to keep these disposal packets on hand.

?For more information on proper medication disposal year-round in Howell using one of the several available options, as well as information on safely getting rid of liquids, needles, and syringes, visit the Howell ?Alliance’s “Safe Prescription Disposal” web page at http://www.twp.howell.nj.us/537/Safe-Prescription-Disposal.

?For questions or more information, contact Christa Riddle, Howell Alliance Coordinator, at 732-938-4500 ext. 4012, or [email protected].

?Thank you for participating…a life you love may depend upon it!

Last Updated: 04/03/25