The City of Alexandria is encouraging residents to dispose of unneeded prescription medications for the upcoming National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday.

Staffed by the Alexandria Police Department and the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office, a special collection will take place on from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the following drop-off locations: First Baptist Church, APD headquarters, Fire Station 210 and the Neighborhood Pharmacy of Del Ray.

The Neighborhood Pharmacy of Del Ray, Inova Alexandria Hospital and the APD headquarters all offer secure permanent medication drop boxes for year-round disposal, according to a news release.

While over the counter medications are accepted, needles are not accepted either at the take back event or in the permanent medication drop boxes. Masks must be worn over the nose and mouth at all collection sites.

According to the release, in 2020 the city collected 858.8 pounds of unused medication at drug take back events and year-round permanent drop boxes.

Visit www.alexandriava.gov/Opioids for more information about safe medicine disposal.

-oanderson@alextimes.com