In 2023, Over 3,000 Pounds of Unused Medication Collected in Atlantic County

Join Together Atlantic County (JTAC), a substance misuse prevention coalition, and their law enforcement and government agency partners collected 3,055 pounds of expired or unwanted medications in 2023.

In Atlantic County, there are drop boxes for unused medications in 17 law enforcement or government agencies and several other pharmacies. The purpose of the drop boxes is to reduce substance misuse in the community.

Permanent drop boxes and disposal awareness campaigns are essential in furthering JTAC’s mission to reduce substance misuse among youth in Atlantic County.

According to the New Jersey Department of Law & Public Safety, there were 145,250 opioid prescriptions in Atlantic County in 2023.

Nearly 57% young adults that misuse prescription opioids reported getting it from a relative or friend for free. Proper storage, inventory, and disposal of prescription medication is crucial in keeping them from being taken by someone they are not prescribed to.

To further their mission of reducing substance use in the community, JTAC also funds free medication locking cabinets and Deterra drug disposal bags for the public.

These resources are available by pick up to any Atlantic County resident or organization.

For more information please call (609)-272-0101 x 22.

For more information on proper medication disposal and a complete list of prescription medication drop boxes in Atlantic County, please visit JTACNJ.org.