![\"Assorted](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/myriam-zilles-KltoLK6Mk-g-unsplash.jpg\" "\\"Mix")
Mix of pills and medications (Photo by Myriam Zilles on Unsplash)<\/p>\n\t\tMix of pills and medications (Photo by Myriam Zilles on Unsplash)<\/p>\n
The Alexandria Police Department\u2019s headquarters and other sites in the city will once again participate in National Prescription Take Back Day<\/a>, which is returning to communities across the country this Saturday (Oct. 24).<\/p>\n Led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the initiative encourages people to clean out their medicine cabinets and safely dispose of unneeded prescription and over-the-counter drugs.<\/p>\n The APD and Alexandria Sheriff\u2019s Office will manage four drop-off sites from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.:<\/p>\n Alexandria Police Department Headquarters (3600 Wheeler Avenue) \u201cVolunteers at each site will share information about the importance of safe medication disposal and promote the City\u2019s permanent medication drop boxes<\/a>,\u201d the City of Alexandria said in a press release. \u201cVolunteers will also distribute free drug disposal pouches to encourage safe medication disposal at home.\u201d<\/p>\n Any unused and expired medications will be accepted, but needles are not. Needles and syringes can be disposed of at Inova Alexandria Hospital (4320 Seminary Road), whose emergency department features a permanent drop box.<\/p>\n The city has three permanent medication drop boxes at Neighborhood Pharmacy, the APD\u2019s headquarters and Inova Alexandria\u2019s emergency department.<\/p>\n Free drug disposal kits are also available as part of a Virginia campaign to combat opioid addiction at locations throughout the state<\/a>, including the Casey Health Center Pharmacy at 1220 North Howard Street in Alexandria.<\/p>\n Last year, Alexandria collected 2,052 pounds of unused medication, including through its drug take-back events<\/a>, which occur two times a year.<\/p>\n More from the city on safe drug disposal:<\/p>\n Unused and expired medications that languish in home cabinets are susceptible to misuse, especially opioid prescriptions \u2026 Drugs are also an environmental hazard to waterways and should not be flushed down the toilet or sink. While most sewage is treated at wastewater treatment plants, these facilities are not always designed to process medication. Drugs can make their way into local waterways, affecting aquatic life. If you do not have access to safe drug disposal, check the medication bottles for instructions on disposal options. If no instructions are present:<\/p>\n Remove medication from its original container. Do not crush. Visit\u00a0alexandriava.gov\/SAPCA<\/a>\u00a0to learn more about ways to prevent substance use and misuse. Visit\u00a0alexandriava.gov\/Opioids<\/a>\u00a0for more information about Alexandria\u2019s efforts to fight the national opioid epidemic.<\/p>\n
\nFire Station 210 (5255 Eisenhower Avenue)
\nThe Neighborhood Pharmacy of Del Ray (2204 Mt. Vernon Avenue)
\nWalgreens Pharmacy (3614 King Street)<\/p>\n
\nMix medication with an inedible substance, such as kitty litter or coffee grounds.
\nPlace mixture in a sealable bag or container and throw away in the trash.
\nBlack out all personal information on the prescription label so it is unreadable.<\/p>\n