Coon Rapids Police Department Hosts National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Today

Coon Rapids Police Department Hosts National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Today

COON RAPIDS, MN — October 25, 2025 — The Coon Rapids Police Department is participating today in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, a nationwide effort led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to combat prescription drug misuse and protect public health. The event runs today, Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Coon Rapids Police Department, 11155 Robinson Drive NW.

This annual initiative provides residents with a safe, convenient, and environmentally responsible way to dispose of expired or unused prescription medications—helping to prevent potential misuse and environmental harm.

Safeguarding Public Health and Safety

Unused or expired medications that linger in household medicine cabinets can pose significant risks to families and communities. They may be accidentally ingested by children or pets, or misused by individuals struggling with substance use. For those in recovery, access to leftover prescription drugs can also increase the risk of relapse.

By participating in today’s Take Back Day, residents can directly contribute to preventing drug misuse, reducing overdoses, and creating safer homes. The initiative also promotes environmental stewardship by discouraging improper disposal methods such as flushing medications or discarding them in household trash—actions that can contaminate soil and local waterways.

Local Collection Details

Residents are invited to bring unneeded or expired prescription medications to the Coon Rapids Police Department anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. today.
The collection is free, anonymous, and no questions will be asked.

Accepted items include:

• Pills, capsules, and tablets

• Over-the-counter and prescription medications

• Pet prescriptions

• Creams, ointments, and patches

Items not accepted include:

• Syringes or sharps

• Liquids (unless sealed in original containers)

• Aerosol cans

• Illegal drugs or hazardous waste

A Nationwide Effort

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is part of a broader DEA-led campaign that partners with thousands of law enforcement agencies nationwide. In the most recent Take Back event held in April 2025, Americans turned in more than 620,000 pounds of medications, demonstrating the public’s ongoing commitment to reducing the risks associated with prescription drugs.

Residents unable to attend today’s Coon Rapids collection can find additional authorized drop-off locations at www.dea.gov/takebackday.

Protecting Communities, One Cabinet at a Time

“Cleaning out your medicine cabinet may seem like a small act,” a Coon Rapids Police spokesperson said, “but every bottle safely disposed of represents one less opportunity for misuse or accidental harm. This event helps make our homes and community safer.”

As part of this nationwide day of action, the City of Coon Rapids encourages residents to check their medicine cabinets, safely dispose of unneeded medications, and take an active role in protecting both lives and the environment.

MinneapoliMedia