Saturday: Get Rid of Old or Unwanted Prescription Drugs in Fairfax, Arlington Counties

by Jason Spencer

The Fairfax County Police Department will be accepting old or unwanted drugs at select sites across the county from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday as part of National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.

Organizers bill the event as an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and to rid your home of potentially dangerous expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked, according to a news release.

Collection sites in Fairfax County:

• Sully District Police Station, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly
• Mason District Police Station, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale
• Franconia District Police Station, 6121 Franconia Road, Alexandria

Arlington police are also accepting unwanted drugs at multiple locations in that county, including Fire Station No. 8, 4845 Lee Highway. Click here for more information on Arlington collection sites.

According to a news release, "With the increasing prevalence of prescription drug abuse and addiction, unused medications are at risk of being abused or stolen. ... Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to misuse, abuse and diversion. Health officials stress that flushing medications in the toilet or throwing them in the trash pose potential safety and health hazards."

Last year, people nationwide turned in 371 tons of prescription drugs at more than 5,800 sites, the release states.

This initiative is led by the Drug Enforcement Administration in partnership with local police agencies across the country.