Drug-Take Back Postponed, Disposal Boxes Closed In Fairfax County

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Fairfax County is providing guidance on unused medication disposal due to the Drug Take Back Day postponement and closure of drop boxes at county police stations. The Drug Enforcement Administration has postponed the Drug Take Back Day scheduled for Saturday, April 25.

Medical disposal boxes are typically available at Fairfax County police stations and select pharmacies. However, the drop-off boxes at police stations are temporarily closed to the public. Pharmacies may continue to accept unused medications, but customers should check with individual locations.

Because unused medications piling up at home creates a risk of misuse and accidental poisoning, residents should know the recommended way to throw them out. Liquid or pill medications as well as sharps should not be flushed down a toilet or poured down a sink. Instead, medications can be put in the trash with proper precautions.

"This practice is not a landfill issue, as trash is managed at an energy-from-waste facility in Fairfax County," said the county in statement.

Medications should be removed from their original containers and be mixed with an undesirable substance like cat litter or used coffee grounds. The medication can be put in a sealable bag or container and placed in the trash. Tablets and capsules should not be crushed. All personal information on prescription labels should be removed.

Another option is using medication lock boxes. The county offers medication lock boxes through bulk order only by emailing CSBPrevention@FairfaxCounty.gov.

SEE ALSO: Coronavirus Prompts Trash And Recycling Changes In Fairfax County