Police Offer Contactless, Drive-Thru Disposal Locations During Nation

Published on October 16, 2020

ARLINGTON, Va. — On Saturday, October 24, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Arlington County Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will provide the public the opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. This disposal service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. This is the DEA's 19^th nationwide event since its inception 10 years ago.

To keep everyone safe, collection sites will follow COVID-19 guidelines. All participants are expected to practice physical distancing and wear a face covering while dropping items off for disposal.

Contactless Drive-Thru Disposal Locations

The Arlington County Police Department will collect prescription medications at the following sites:

Arlington County Police Department
1425 N. Courthouse Road
Arlington, VA 22201

Fire Station #5
1750 S. Hayes Street
Arlington, VA 22202

Upon arrival, participants should stay in their vehicle until they reach the unloading areas, where officers will be on hand to remove items for disposal from their vehicle. A separate area will be available for those arriving by bike or foot.

Please note: The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps. Only pills or patches will be accepted. To safely dispose of sharps, Arlington County recommends placing the item in a hard-plastic container, such as a detergent bottle, securing the container and placing it in your trash cart.

For additional collection sites across the region, visit their site locator.

Permanent Drug Take-Back Locations in Arlington County

Community members unable to attend the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day are reminded that Arlington County has four permanent drug take-back boxes available in the County. Free drug deactivation bags are also available through the Department of Human Services.

The public can safely dispose of prescription medications 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year with no questions asked at the following locations:

Fire Station #2
4805 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22203

Fire Station #5
1750 S. Hayes Street
Arlington, VA 22202

Fire Station #9
1900 S. Walter Reed Drive
Arlington, VA 22204

Arlington County Police Department
1425 N. Courthouse Road
Arlington, VA 22201

Items accepted at the drug take-back boxes are prescriptions, vitamins, prescription ointments, pet medications, prescription patches and over-the-counter medications. Items not accepted are needles, inhalers, aerosol cans, thermometers, lotions or liquids and hydrogen peroxide.

For those looking to dispose of sharps, Arlington County recommends placing the item in hard plastic container such as detergent bottle, cap securely and place in trash cart. Do not put this container in your recycling. If you need more information, contact your local pharmacist.

Additional Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there are numerous treatment resources are available in Arlington County and through the Department of Human Services.

MORE: Arlington's Comprehensive Opioid Response

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