Walgreens unveils new kiosk to properly dispose of unused prescription drugs

Gov. Chris Christie made a visit to Walgreens in East Brunswick Thursday to highlight the pharmacy's drug drop-off program. Walgreens unveiled a new kiosk where customers can properly dispose of unused

News 12 Staff

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Dec 23, 2016, 3:19 AM

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Updated 2,945 days ago

Gov. Chris Christie made a visit to Walgreens in East Brunswick Thursday to highlight the pharmacy's drug drop-off program.

Walgreens unveiled a new kiosk where customers can properly dispose of unused prescription drugs.

The kiosk is the first of its kind in the state, and looks to be the first of its kind by a major retailer.

The governor praised the initiative, which he says will help protect addicts who could steal old prescriptions.

It's one of 16 locations throughout New Jersey that will have the kiosk. More than 500 Walgreens stores will be introducing these across the country.

It's a topic the governor has been advocating for a while. On Wednesday, he appeared at a candlelight vigil, calling to end the stigma surrounding prescription drug abuse.

"I will not stand for the idea that any soul is irredeemable," says Gov. Christie. "Everyone has the ability to fight back from this disease, but we have to give them the tools to do it."

The kiosks will be made available during regular pharmacy hours and are free of charge. They are expected to be fully operational at all 16 locations by Dec. 30.