If you’re doing some fall cleaning, it might not be a bad idea to include the medicine cabinet on the checklist. This Saturday (September 29) is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.
Stations will be set up throughout the country and right here in Arlington for residents to turn in any expired and unused medications. In addition to preventing drug abuse and theft, the initiative helps to prevent drugs from being disposed of improperly, such as being flushed down the toilet or thrown in the trash.
The Drug Enforcement Administration runs the program, in cooperation with local officials. During the last such event in April, residents around the country turned in a record breaking 276 tons of unwanted drugs.
“While a uniform system for prescription drug disposal is being finalized, we will continue to sponsor these important take-back opportunities as a service to our communities,” said DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart in a statement. “Our take-back events highlight the problems related to prescription drug abuse and give our citizens an opportunity to contribute to the solution. These events are only made possible through the dedicated work and commitment of our state, federal, local, and tribal partners and DEA thanks each and every one of them for their efforts on behalf of the American people.”
The disposal service is free and there are no questions asked.
The following Arlington locations will participate in the drug take-back from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. on Saturday:
- Arlington Fire Station #1, 500 S. Glebe Road
- Arlington Fire Station #8, 4845 Lee Highway
- Arlington Fire Station #9, 1900 S. Walter Reed Drive
- Pentagon Parking Lot, 551 Army Navy Drive
The following two locations will not operate on Saturday. Instead, they will be open from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 28:
- Arlington Hall Station Building 1, 111 S. George Mason Drive
- Ft. Myer Commissary, 523 MacArthur Circle