Drug Take Back Day

From the City of Alexandria

The City of Alexandria encourages residents to safely dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications, including those prescribed by veterinarians, during National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, October 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or year-round at one of the permanent drop box locations in Alexandria listed below.

During Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, the Alexandria Police Department, Alexandria Sheriff’s Office and the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria (SAPCA) will staff the following drop-off sites: 

First Baptist Church (2932 King St.)

Police Department (3600 Wheeler Ave.)

Fire Station 210 (5255 Eisenhower Ave.)

The Neighborhood Pharmacy of Del Ray (2204 Mt. Vernon Ave.)

This event is part of a national initiative by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and one of four drug take-back days the City holds annually to provide locations for residents to drop off potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs and other medications for safe disposal and destruction. 

Year-round, residents may also drop off unused or unwanted medications at secured permanent drop boxes located at Neighborhood Pharmacy of Del Ray (2204 Mt. Vernon Ave.) or Inova Alexandria Hospital (4320 Seminary Road, inside the visitor’s entrance and next to the cashier’s window.).

Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse, and opioid prescription drugs are of particular concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 68% of the more than 70,200 drug overdose deaths in 2017 involved an opioid.

In addition, many people often flush unused medications down the toilet or throw them away – both potential safety and health hazards. The drug take-back days and permanent drop boxes help support the goals of the Eco-City Alexandria initiative to promote a place where people can live healthier and economically productive lives while reducing their impact on the environment. 

In 2018, the City collected 969 pounds of unused medication at drug take-back day events, and the Neighborhood Pharmacy of Del Ray drop box has collected 620 pounds of medications since it was installed in January 2018. No needles are accepted during the upcoming take-back event or at the permanent drop boxes.

For more information about Alexandria’s efforts regarding the opioid crisis, visit alexandriava.gov/Opioids.