Unused or expired prescription medication left in a medicine cabinet or tossed in the trash can be misused, abused or taken accidentally.
To help residents dispose of medication safely, the Albemarle County Police Department (ACPD) is partnering with Sentara, Wegmans, and the Drug Enforcement Administration to host four local drop-off locations on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Saturday, April 25.
These events are considered the safest way to get rid of expired or unused medication, which, if thrown into regular trash, could be easily retrieved, abused or sold, the Albemarle County news release said. Flushing the medication is not a safe solution either — it can cause harm to aquatic life as well as humans because many medication compounds can end up in drinking water.
Community members can also safely dispose of used over-the-counter medication, vape pens and e-cigarettes. The Sentara location will also accept medical sharps for disposal in a safe container.
After the event, ACPD will dispose of the medication responsibly. Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital will dispose of the sharps.
Unopened and unexpired medication in original manufacturer packaging collected at the hospital location will be reviewed by a pharmacist and, if approved, distributed to individuals in need.
This event provides a free and anonymous way to dispose of medication, no questions asked.
Take action
Dispose of unwanted medication safely during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
The Albemarle County Police Department, Sentara, Wegmans and the Drug Enforcement Administration are hosting an event for residents to anonymously dispose of unused or expired medications at four locations — three in Charlottesville and one in Crozet.
On Sat. Apr. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the following locations accept drop-offs:
- Wegmans, 100 Wegmans Way, Charlottesville
- Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital, Phillips Cancer Center entrance, 500 Martha Jefferson Dr., Charlottesville
- Sentara Crozet Family Medicine, 1646 Park Ridge Dr., Crozet
- Sentara Forest Lakes Family Medicine, 3263 Proffit Rd., Suite 201, Charlottesville
For further information see Albemarle County’s news release.
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