Drug Take Back Event Planned For Saturday In Vienna

VIENNA, VA — The Vienna Police Department will hold the next drug take back day on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents can anonymously drop off unused medications for free at the Vienna Police Station, 215 Center Street South.

The collection site takes prescription medications, controlled substances, non-controlled substances and over-the-counter drugs. Residents may keep medications in original containers or throw them out directly in the collection box. Identifying information should be removed from prescription labels.

Liquid products are accepted but should be sealed in original containers to prevent leaking. Intravenous solutions, injectables, and syringes will not be accepted.

Drug take back events are held in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration to prevent the misuse and abuse of medicines. Each year, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Survey on Drug Use and Health finds most misused and abused prescription drugs come from family and friends. Authorities caution that flushing or throwing away unused medicines can create potential safety and health hazards.

If you can't make it to the Oct. 26 event, locate other year-round drop-off sites on the DEA's website.

The last national drug take back event happened in April with 234 pounds of unused medications collected in Vienna. Collection sites nationwide received 937,443 pounds of unused medications.