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Secure Disposal of Leftover Prescription Drugs Arrives In Cherry Hill, NJ

By David Madden

CHERRY HILL, N.J. (CBS) -- New Jersey officials are expanding a program that allows people to safely dispose of excess and expired prescription drugs at their convenience.

"Project Medicine Drop" sets up drop boxes, similar to postal street mailboxes, at police stations.

"The box invites members of the public to come in and dispose of their excess household medications, no questions asked, in a way that is safe and secure," explains New Jersey attorney general Jeffrey Chisea.

Officials say the aim is to keep people from dumping them in a toilet -- which could become a health and environmental hazard -- or in the trash, where others could grab them.

Many people are under the delusion that drugs doled out by a doctor are safe to use, or abuse, under any circumstances. Truth be told, what helps you could kill someone else.

The hope is to set up at least one of these drop boxes in every county in the state by year's end.

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