District of Columbia residents are being encouraged to safely dispose of household medications and old prescriptions at drug take-back sites throughout the city. The upcoming "Take-Back" initiative is scheduled for this Saturday, April 27 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. This national effort is to safely collect unused and expired medications and prevent improper drug disposal and distribution.

The District Department of Health, Metropolitan Police Department and DC Water are encouraging District residents to participate in this nationwide effort. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in conjunction with state and local governments, law enforcement, community, and public health organizations will host the drug "Take-Back" initiative in the District of Columbia, Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia.

The drug "Take-Back" initiative will help educate the public of proper medication disposal methods, as well as offer local take-back collection centers for people wanting to get rid of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted medicines. Collection centers will be facilitated by the DEA, which will work with state and local police departments throughout the region to help collect and destroy medications. Following safe and appropriate medication disposal methods will help reduce the potential health dangers to District residents,” said DOH Interim Director Dr. Saul Levin. “Working together as One City to remove potentially hazardous materials, will make our city safer for those who live, work and play in the District of Columbia.”

“Flushing pharmaceuticals down the drain contribute to the presence of these compounds in our waterways,” commented DC Water General Manager George Hawkins. “We are all responsible for contaminants found in water and DC Water encourages all residents to properly dispose of their pharmaceuticals. Join the many people throughout the region choosing to participate in drug take-back programs and protect our local water resources.”

The service is free and anonymous. The link below is a list of collection sites in the District of Columbia. Residents can also contact the Call Center at 1-800-882-9539 for assistance.

Find Drop-off Locations Near You
http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/