Safely Dispose of Unneeded Medication During Drug Take-Back Day
Published on October 20, 2025
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) fall National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day will take place on Saturday, October 25. The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) is encouraging the community to take advantage of this dedicated time to safely dispose of unwanted, unused and expired prescription medications. Unused or expired prescription medications are a public health and safety issue and can lead to accidental poisoning, overdose and abuse. Arlington County offers four permanent drug take-back boxes where community members can anonymously dispose of prescription medications for free.
Permanent Drug Take-Back Locations in Arlington County
Safely dispose of prescription medications 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year with no questions 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
2000 block of 14th Street N.
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. Free drug deactivation bags are also available through the Department of Human Services.
Resources and Services
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there are numerous treatment resources available in Arlington and through the Department of Human Services. Visit OneArlington to learn more about Arlington’s comprehensive opioid response.