Got Old Pills? Alexandria Opens Four Free Drug Drop-Off Sites October 24
Four Alexandria collection sites will accept unwanted prescription, over-the-counter and pet medications on October 24. Here's where to go and what to know.
ALEXANDRIA, VA – That half-empty prescription bottle in your medicine cabinet, an expired over-the-counter remedy, or medication left over after treating a family pet can all be disposed of safely at four Alexandria locations later this month.
The City of Alexandria is joining National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering residents a free, anonymous way to get rid of unwanted and expired medications.
The Alexandria Police Department and Alexandria Sheriff’s Office will staff the four sites, with volunteers sharing information about safe disposal and giving out free drug-disposal pouches for home use.
Where to Drop Off Unused Medications in Alexandria
- Alexandria Police Headquarters: 3600 Wheeler Ave.
- Fire Station 210: 5255 Eisenhower Ave.
- The Neighborhood Pharmacy of Del Ray: 2204 Mount Vernon Ave.
- Walgreens Pharmacy: 3614 King St.
All four sites will collect medications between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The event accepts unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medicines, including veterinary prescriptions. Needles and syringes are not accepted at these locations.
More Than a Ton Collected Last Year
The city reports collecting 2,052 pounds of unused medications in 2025, reflecting the scale of Alexandria’s effort to keep unneeded drugs out of medicine cabinets, landfills and local waterways. The Zebra reported on Alexandria’s spring 2026 Take Back Day, which used the same four collection sites. The city’s permanent disposal effort reaches back years: in 2018, The Zebra covered the opening of Alexandria’s first permanent prescription-drug drop box at The Neighborhood Pharmacy of Del Ray.
Medicines kept in the home after they’re no longer needed can be accidentally taken or misused, particularly opioid prescriptions. Flushing medication down sinks or toilets creates another problem: wastewater treatment systems are not necessarily designed to remove pharmaceutical compounds before water reaches the environment.
The twice-yearly nationwide event, supported by the Drug Enforcement Administration, gives households a straightforward alternative.
Can’t Make It October 24?
Alexandria also offers permanent medication drop boxes throughout the year. Details on those sites and separate safe needle-disposal options are available through the city’s Drug Take Back Day information page.
The city’s advice is to avoid flushing medications. If a safe collection option is unavailable, residents should follow any disposal instructions on the drug label; when none are provided, the city advises mixing uncrushed medication with an inedible substance, placing it in a sealed container in household trash and obscuring personal information on labels.
If You Go
What: National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
When: Saturday, October 24, 2026, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Alexandria Police Headquarters, Fire Station 210, The Neighborhood Pharmacy of Del Ray, and Walgreens on King Street
Cost: Free; anonymous, no questions asked
Accepted: Unneeded prescription and over-the-counter medication, including pet prescriptions
Not accepted: Needles or syringes
Information: City of Alexandria announcement
