Old medicines are a danger — to the owners and other members of the household. But they can also be a hassle to get rid of. At the drug take-back event on Saturday, Jan. 6, law enforcement collected 140 pounds of unwanted medication. Deputies from the Alexandria Sheriff’s Department and the Alexandria Police Department, in cooperation with the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria, collected anonymously dropped off unwanted and expired medication at sites across Alexandria.

“These events are important for a number of reasons,” said Crystal Nosal, public information officer for the Alexandria Police Department. “When the country is dealing with an opioid crisis, disposal of unneeded medication is important so the medications don’t pose temptation for theft or misuse.”

Beyond the threat the danger posed to humans, Nosal also noted that improperly disposed medications flushed down the sink or toilet also has harmful environmental effects.

In addition to drug take-back events, there is now a permanent drop off box inside The Neighborhood Pharmacy in Del Ray.