Every six weeks APD’s property officer/inspector takes the unwanted drugs that have been collected to a local incinerator for destruction, which helps to keep substances out of landfills or from being flushed down the drain. On average, the Inspector delivers about 220 pounds of medications to the inci 
nerator every six weeks.
The department estimates that 1,900 pounds of unwanted medications are disposed of each year. Since the installation of the disposal box in 2012, an estimated 14,000 pounds of unwanted medications have been collected and destroyed.
“The collection site has fulfilled the need for an environmentally sound medication-disposal option, which helps to ensure that excess medications are kept out of the hands of people not meant to have them,” Flaherty said in a Sept. 12 news release.
The collection box is part of Arlington’s continued efforts to reduce the supply of unwanted medications, especially those with a high potential for misuse, within the community.
Along with the 24/7 drop box, Arlington police have participated in each of the DEA drug-takeback events since September 2010. Since their first year participating, the department has taken in and disposed of about 2,500 pounds of medication.
APD and the coalition also take steps to educate the community on the importance of properly disposing of medications.
“This multifaceted approach to medication disposal is a fantastic initiative where several local partners work together to help improve the safety of the community and the environment,” Koretsky said in the release.
“September is recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration as National Recovery Month, so this is a great time to raise awareness for proper medication disposal and its impact on preventing and reducing prescription drug abuse.”
This news announcement was published Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019.
