Alexandria Promotes Safe Medication Disposal

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The City of Alexandria is encouraging residents to safely dispose of unneeded prescription medications —including those prescribed by veterinarians — as well as over-the-counter drugs during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day and throughout the year.

A Drug Take Back Day collection event will be held on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at convenient locations across the city. The event is staffed by the Alexandria Police Department and the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office.

Drop-Off Locations

Residents can safely dispose of medications at the following sites:

• Alexandria Police Department Headquarters (3600 Wheeler Ave.)
• Fire Station 210 (5255 Eisenhower Ave.)
• The Neighborhood Pharmacy of Del Ray (2204 Mt. Vernon Ave.)
• Walgreens Pharmacy (3614 King St.)

Please note: Needles and sharps will not be accepted at this event. Please visit the city’s website for needle disposal and permanent medication drop-off locations

Why Safe Medication Disposal Matters

Unused or expired medications left in the home can pose serious risks, including misuse—especially with opioid prescriptions. In 2025 alone, the City collected more than 2,000 pounds of unused medication.

Improper disposal also creates environmental hazards. Flushing medications down sinks or toilets can allow chemicals to enter waterways, potentially harming aquatic life, as wastewater treatment facilities are not always equipped to filter out pharmaceuticals.

Year-Round Disposal Options And Resources

Volunteers at each Take Back Day site will provide information about safe disposal practices and promote the City’s permanent medication drop boxes. Free drug disposal pouches will also be available to help residents safely discard medications at home.

If a disposal site is not accessible, follow these guidelines:

• Remove medication from its original container (do not crush).
• Mix it with an undesirable substance like coffee grounds or kitty litter.
• Place the mixture in a sealed bag or container and dispose of it in the trash.
• Remove or black out all personal information on prescription labels.

For more information on preventing substance misuse, visit alexandriava.gov/SAPCA. Learn more about the City’s opioid response efforts at alexandriava.gov/Opioids.

For reasonable disability accommodations, contact Emma Beall at 571.302.1022, [email protected], or dial Virginia Relay 711.