Disposing Prescription Drugs is Easy as 1..2..3

November 22, 2016

The Richmond Police Department and CVS Pharmacy have teamed up to provide citizens with a free, safe and easy way to dispose of expired or unwanted prescription drugs. Bright red prescription drug disposal bins have been placed in Richmond Police headquarters and all four precincts and will be available year-round.

This new program follows Drug Take-Back Day, a bi-annual initiative hosted by the Richmond Police Department, in conjunction with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, giving citizens an opportunity to safely dispose of medications. On Oct. 22, residents turned in 333 pounds of prescription drugs at two collection sites in the city.

Improper disposal of prescription medication is a public safety issue that can lead to accidental poisoning, overdose, abuse and illegal sales. These medications cannot be turned in to your local pharmacy. Residents also are asked not to flush the prescriptions into the sewer system for environmental reasons.

Disposing of these medications is easy as 1, 2 and 3:

1. Find Richmond Police headquarters or your closest precinct.
2. Inside the location, find the red CVS Pharmacy prescription disposal bin.
3. Pull the lid and drop your medication(s).

The bins can be accessed during regular business hours at:

• RPD Headquarters: 200 W Grace St. | Phone: (804) 646-0400
• First Precinct: 2501 Q St. | Phone: (804) 646-3602
• Second Precinct: 177 Belt Blvd. | Phone: (804) 646-8092
• Third Precinct: 301 S. Meadow St. | Phone: (804) 646-1412
• Fourth Precinct: 2219 Chamberlayne Ave. | Phone: (804) 646-4106

Accepted items include: prescriptions, prescription patches, prescription medications, prescription ointments, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, samples and medications for pets.

Not accepted are: illegal narcotics, medical waste or bulk commercial medications, hydrogen peroxide, thermometers, syringes, aerosol cans and inhalers

All prescription medications collected will be incinerated according to federal and state environmental guidelines. Those disposing of medications may remain anonymous.