Disposing of Unused and Expired Medication Safely

Do you have unwanted or expired medications? Learn how to dispose of them at a secured permanent drop box locations, drug take back events or safely at home.
Page updated on September 6, 2024 at 11:31 AM
Translate icon

Disposing of Unused and Expired Medication Safely

Why is it important to dispose of my medicine safely?

Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse, and opioid prescription drugs are of particular concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 68% of the more than 70,200 drug overdose deaths in 2017 involved an opioid. More than half of individuals who misused painkillers got them from a friend or relative. Additionally, nineteen percent of people who complete suicide use poison or medication. Safely disposing of unused and expired medications limits access, which helps fight the opioid epidemic.

Safely disposing of medications also helps increase public health. Many people often flush unused medications down the toilet or throw them away, both potential safety and health hazards. Drug take-back events and permanent drop boxes help support the goals of Eco-City Alexandria initiative to promote a place where people can live healthier and economically productive lives while reducing their impact on the environment. 

What are safe ways to dispose of medicines?


PERMANENT MEDICATION DROP BOXES IN ALEXANDRIA
In Alexandria, you can dispose of unwanted or unused pills, liquids or other medication at one of three permanent medication drop boxes that provide year-round access to safe drug disposal for all Alexandria residents:

  • Neighborhood Pharmacy: 2204 Mt Vernon Ave.; open Mon - Fri: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sat: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

  • Inova Alexandria Hospital Emergency Department: 4320 Seminary Rd.; available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. 

  • Alexandria Police Department Headquarters (just inside front entrance, ring bell for access): 3600 Wheeler Ave.; available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day 

Needles are not accepted at permanent medication drop box locations or during drug take back events.


PERMANENT NEEDLE AND SYRINGE DROP BOX
Dispose of needles and syringes using a separate sharps disposal container located in the Emergency Department at Inova Alexandria Hospital (4320 Seminary Road).


DRUG TAKE BACK EVENTS
Additional designated drop-off sites are made available during Prescription Drug Take Back Days, which are held twice a year in April and October accordance with DEA national take back events. Find out more.

Outside of Alexandria, take advantage of your community’s local “take back” or mail back program or medication drop box at a police station, DEA-authorized collection site or pharmacy. Find a CVS Pharmacy Drop Box location near you. Find local pharmacies participating as drop-off points by zip code.

SAFE DISPOSAL AT HOME
Never flush medication down the toilet, place it down the sink or dispose of it in a recycling bin; all of these approaches present potential safety and health hazards. Below are several options for disposing of unused and expired medications at home.

  • PICK UP A FREE DRUG DISPOSAL KIT. Virginians can pick up free drug disposals kits from a number of different locations as part of a campaign to reduce opioid addictions. There are several locations in Northern Virginia, including one in Alexandria at the Casey Health Center Pharmacy at 1220 North Howard Street.

If you need to dispose of medication at home and do not have a drug disposal bag:

  • Check medication bottles for any instructions on proper disposal.

  • If none are present, remove medication from its original container. Do not crush tablets or capsules.

  • Mix medication with an undesirable, inedible substance, such as kitty litter or used coffee grounds.

  • Place mixture in a sealable bag or container and throw away in a secured trash can.

  • Black out all personal information on the prescription label so it is unreadable.