Drug Take Back Sites Planned Saturday In Fairfax County

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Fairfax County Police will be participating in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 24.

Residents can safely and anonymously dispose of unwanted prescription medications at the drop-off sites from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Accepted items include those prescribed by veterinarians. Needles and syringes are not accepted at drug take back events or year-round drop boxes.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, an initiative by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, seeks to provide a safe way to dispose of medications and educate the public about the risk of unused medications being misused, abused or stolen. Drug take back events are held twice a year in April and October.

Here are the drop-off locations on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.:

• Fair Oaks District Station: 12300 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax
• Franconia District Station: 6121 Franconia Road, Alexandria
• Mason District Station: 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale
• McLean District Station: 1437 Balls Hill Road, McLean
• Mount Vernon District Station: 2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria
• Reston Hospital: 1850 Town Center Pkwy, Reston
• Sully District Station: 4900 Stonecroft Boulevard, Chantilly
• West Springfield District Station: 6140 Rolling Road, Springfield

Residents can also find year-round drop box options on the DEA website. Free prescription drug deactivation kits are available at locations around Virginia.

Here are some tips for drug disposal at home:

• Check the pill bottle for any instructions on proper disposal.
• If no instructions are provided, remove medicine from original containers. Do not crush tablets or capsules.
• Mix medicine with undesirable substance like kitty litter or used coffee grounds.
• Place mixture in a tightly sealable bag or container and throw away in trash.
• Black out all personal information on the prescription label so that it is unreadable.