Safely Dispose of Medication on Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Spring National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day will take place on Saturday, April 25. The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) encourages community members to include their medicine cabinets in their spring-cleaning routine by safely disposing of unused or expired medications.

Proper disposal helps prevent prescription drugs from falling into the wrong hands and reduces the risk of misuse. Residents are encouraged to use one of the County’s four permanent drug take-back boxes, as improper disposal—such as flushing medications—can contribute to water contamination.

During the DEA’s Fall National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day in October 2025, a total of 571,054 pounds of prescription medications were collected nationwide—contributing to more than 20.3 million pounds safely removed since the program’s inception. The Arlington County Police Department encourages community members to take part in this potentially life-saving initiative, as prescription medications can pose serious risks when used without proper medical guidance or supervision of a doctor.

Permanent Drug Take-Back Locations in Arlington County
ACPD offers four permanent drug take-back boxes where community members can anonymously dispose of unused, unwanted and potentially dangerous prescription drugs for free. The public can safely dispose of prescription medications 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year with no questions at the following locations:

Fire Station #2
4805 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22203

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

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

Arlington County Police Department
2000 block of 14^th Street N.
Arlington, VA 22201

Items accepted at the drug take-back boxes are prescriptions, vitamins, prescription ointments, pet medications, prescription patches and over-the-counter medications. Items not accepted are needles, inhalers, aerosol cans, thermometers, lotions or liquids and hydrogen peroxide. Free drug deactivation bags are also available through the Department of Human Services.

Resources and Services
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there are numerous treatment resources available in Arlington and through the Department of Human Services. Visit the Arlington Addiction Recovery Initiative’s webpage to learn more about Arlington’s comprehensive opioid response.

Media Contact

Communications Specialist II
Alli Shorb
702-228-4270

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