From Fairfax County: Help our community by monitoring and properly disposing of your unused or expired medications. Doing this prevents accidental poisoning or abuse by others, and protects the environment.
Operation Medicine Cabinet Cleanout is sponsored by the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board in partnership with many Fairfax County government departments and coalitions, and local businesses.
When Can I Drop Off Medications?
Bring unused or expired medications (just pills or liquids – no pressurized canisters or needles) to your local Fairfax County district police station for disposal anytime from Monday, April 16 to Saturday, April 21, 2012. For Pimmit Hills: McLean District Station, 1437 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101
Disposal is free, convenient, confidential and safe.
Visit the Health Department's "Don't Flush" page for more information about proper disposal of medications year-round.
Why Do We Need to Keep Medications Safe?
Clearing out unused or expired medications prevents accidental poisoning, drug abuse, and environmental pollution. In a 2010 survey, approximately 1 in 12 Fairfax County high school students responded that they had abused prescription drugs and/or over-the-counter medications in the previous month. Nationally, prescription drug abuse is a growing problem with all ages.
In Virginia, the governor issued a proclamation recognizing April as Prescription Medicine Take Back Month. This local effort launched by the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board supports the statewide goal to encourage the safe use and handling of prescribed medications.
Safe Handling of Medications Year-Round
To learn how to safely dispose of your expired and unused medications from home year-round, visit the Health Department’s medicine disposal Web page and watch our short video describing how to safely dispose of your medications. Also keep these safety tips in mind:
- Read the material provided with all prescribed medications to know how to use them safely.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist about any possible risks, especially for abuse.
- Talk to your children. Let them know to never take medications without your knowledge.
- Keep track of and secure your medications.
