Crime
Richmond Police collect over 35 pounds of prescription drugs through new bin program
The red bins throughout the city encourage citizens to drop off their unused or unwanted prescription drugs to reduce public health concerns.
Since its inception on November 7th, Richmond Police have collected 35 pounds of prescription drugs through a new prescription drug bin program, the department announced on Thursday.
RPD and CVS Pharmacy teamed up to provide a free, safe bin to dispose of expired or unwanted prescription drugs. The bins are in place at Richmond Police headquarters and all four precincts and will continue to be available year-round.
The program was started due to the growing concern surrounding improperly disposed drugs, which can lead to accidental poisoning, overdose, abuse, and illegal sales. The practice of flushing these drugs down the toilet is also an increasing health risk, as water treatment does not remove all traces of drugs from the system.
“This new program gets these drugs out of the hands of those with pill and opioid addictions,” Special Investigation Division Lt. Ronnie Armstead said in a news release. “Programs like this can reduce crimes such as robberies and home invasions of those who possess these kinds of medications. It can also reduce the illegal trafficking prescription drugs as well.”
Accepted items include prescriptions, prescription patches, prescription medications, prescription ointments, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, samples, and medications for pets. As you might imagine, illegal narcotics, medical waste, or bulk commercial medications, hydrogen peroxide, thermometers, syringes, aerosol cans, and inhalers are not.
All prescription medications collected are incinerated in accordance with federal and state environmental guidelines. Best of all, dropping your drugs is anonymous.
Three steps to drop your old prescription drugs
- Find Richmond Police headquarters or your closest precinct
- Inside the location, find the red CVS Pharmacy prescription disposal bin
- Pull the lid and drop your medication(s)
Bin locations
- RPD Headquarters: 200 W Grace Street
- First Precinct: 2501 Q Street
- Second Precinct: 177 Belt Boulevard
- Third Precinct: 301 S. Meadow Street
- Fourth Precinct: 2219 Chamberlayne Avenue
