Arlington County Government offices and services are operating on modified schedules for Memorial Day on Mon., May 29, 2023.
To protect local drinking water systems, officials strongly recommend disposing over-the-counter and prescription medications at an established drop-off site or mixed with regular trash.
Arlington’s municipal solid waste is incinerated at the energy-from-waste facility so unnecessary medications, when thrown away, will be destroyed safely.
Arlington residents can safely and securely dispose of unused, unwanted or expired medications any day, any time at three sites. The service is free and anonymous – no questions asked. Permanent drug take-back boxes are located at: Arlington County Fire Station #2 – 4805 Wilson Blvd.Arlington County Fire Station #5 – 1750 S. Hayes St.Arlington County Fire Station #9 – 1900 S. Walter Reed Dr.Arlington County Police Department – 2000 block of 14th St. N. 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.
Amid concerns about trace amounts of medications found in drinking water, Arlington’s water supply is safe and meets Environmental Protection Agency standards. The Washington Aqueduct provides Arlington’s drinking water, drawn from the Potomac River and treated. Regular sampling and testing ensure the water delivered to residents is safe and of the highest quality.