Arlington Lists Permanent Drug Take-Back Sites Ahead Of DEA Disposal Day

ARLINGTON, VA — Arlington County residents can dispose of unused or expired medications on Saturday, April 25, during the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Spring National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. The Arlington County Police Department is also reminding residents that four permanent drug take-back boxes are available across the county year-round.

The police department said proper disposal can help keep prescription drugs from falling into the wrong hands and reduce the risk of misuse. The county also said improper disposal, including flushing medications, can contribute to water contamination.

During the DEA’s Fall National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day in October 2025, 571,054 pounds of prescription medications were collected nationwide, according to a release. That brought the total safely removed since the program began to more than 20.3 million pounds.

Arlington County police said residents can anonymously dispose of unused, unwanted and potentially dangerous prescription drugs for free at the permanent collection boxes. The boxes are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Fire Station #2
4805 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22203

Fire Station #5
1750 S. Hayes St.
Arlington, VA 22202

Fire Station #9
1900 S. Walter Reed Drive
Arlington, VA 22204

Arlington County Police Department
2000 block of 14th Street North
Arlington, VA 22201

Items accepted at the boxes include prescriptions, vitamins, prescription ointments, pet medications, prescription patches and over-the-counter medications, according to the release. Items not accepted include needles, inhalers, aerosol cans, thermometers, lotions or liquids, and hydrogen peroxide.

Free drug deactivation bags are available through the Department of Human Services. Treatment resources for people struggling with addiction are available in Arlington and through the Department of Human Services.