D.C. area residents are being urged to clean out their medicine cabinets and throw out any outdated and expired drugs as part of National Drug Take Back Day.
The event runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and gives a safe, convenient way to get rid of prescription medication while educating the public on the potential for medication abuse. The event is held in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Agency and other law enforcement agencies across the nation.
Maryland State Police barracks are 24/7 drop-off locations for old medications; drug collection boxes are in the front lobby of each. They said that their barracks have collected more than 10 tons of unwanted medications during other take-back day events since 2014.
Below is a map of the 22 MSP barracks.
If you can’t make it on #TakeBackDay this Saturday, find an authorized Rx disposal location near year, including at all 23 @mdsp barracks. LEARN MORE >> https://t.co/z7J9JmrlfO pic.twitter.com/fbsvhEOqGf
— MD State Police (@MDSP) October 25, 2019
In Takoma Park, Maryland, a 24/7 drop-off location is at the City of Takoma Park Police Department, over at 7500 Maple Ave.
Police said they would also be collecting vape pens or other e-cigarette devices along with any prescriptions.
In addition to RX drugs being taken back on 10/26, we will now be collecting vape pens or other e-cigarette devices. For more info on drugs collected, visit https://t.co/iuSH0Tdm4l Take back day is on 10/26 from 10-2, 7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, MD. pic.twitter.com/ITI6pEQYCM
— Takoma Park Police (@TakomaParkPD) October 15, 2019
The Rockville city police station parking lot at 2 W. Montgomery Ave. will also be a drive-up and drop-off location.
In Gaithersburg, the prescription drop box is located in the lobby of the police station, 14 Fulks Corner Ave.
See a full list of drop-off locations in Montgomery County.
D.C. police have also set up several locations through the District where people can turn in their old, expired or unwanted medications.
TOMORROW is the 18th National Prescription Drug Take Back Initiative! Stop by one of the below locations this Saturday, 10/26, between 10am-2pm to drop off your unwanted prescription drugs! #DCPolice #HereToHelp pic.twitter.com/3X3FQWVj6V
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) October 25, 2019
There are dozens of drop-off locations in Northern Virginia as well.
- Fairfax: Police headquarters, 3730 Old Lee Highway.
- Alexandria: Police headquarters, 3600 Wheeler Ave.
- Arlington County: Fire station No. 1, 500 S. Glebe Road.
- Loudoun County: Sheriff’s Office Ashburn Station, 20272 Savin Hill Drive.
See more Northern Virginia locations on the DEA’s website.
The service is completely anonymous.
WTOP’s Jack Pointer contributed to this report.
