On Saturday, October 25, 2025, residents of Prince William County and Manassas City will have the opportunity to safely dispose of unused or expired prescription medications. The Prince William County Police Department and the Manassas City Police Department are partnering with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and community groups for a nationwide prescription drug “Take-Back” initiative. Collection sites will be set up at UVA Health Prince William Medical Center, UVA Health Haymarket Medical Center, and Sentara Healthcare Lake Ridge, operating from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The event is part of an effort to address public safety concerns related to unused or expired prescription medications. According to the DEA, unused or expired prescription medications can lead to accidental poisoning, overdose, and abuse. The agency also notes that pharmaceutical drugs can be as dangerous as street drugs when taken without a prescription or a doctor’s supervision. Many individuals who abuse prescription drugs obtain them from family, friends, or their home medicine cabinet.
Improper disposal of unused prescription drugs can also pose environmental risks. Drugs thrown in the trash may be retrieved for abuse or illegal sale, and can contaminate groundwater or soil. Flushing medications can pollute the water supply. Proper disposal through take-back programs helps protect both public health and the environment.
Accepted items at the event include prescription and over-the-counter solid-dosage medications such as tablets and capsules. Vape pens and e-cigarettes will also be accepted if batteries have been removed. The event will not accept intravenous solutions, injectables, needles, hydrogen peroxide, compressed cylinders (such as asthma inhalers), iodine-containing medications, thermometers, or illicit substances like marijuana or methamphetamine.
To maintain privacy, participants are encouraged to use a permanent marker to black out personal information on medication labels, or remove the labels entirely before turning in items.
For more information, individuals can contact the Crime Prevention Unit at (703) 792-7270.
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