Police Partner With Drug Enforcement Administration for National Drug Takeback Event Today

The Pasadena Police Department will host the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 25, providing residents a free and convenient way to safely dispose of unwanted medications. The event, held in partnership with local nonprofit Day One, aims to prevent drug misuse while protecting local waterways from contamination caused by improper disposal methods.

“Take Back Day is more than just a cleanup effort—it is a proactive step toward public safety and environmental stewardship,” said Sergeant Jonathan Buchholz of the Pasadena Police Department. “We encourage everyone to check their medicine cabinets and bring any medications they no longer need.”

The collection event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pasadena Police Department Headquarters, located at 207 N. Garfield Avenue. Chief of Police Eugene Harris announced the department’s participation in the community-focused initiative.

Residents can bring expired, unused, or unwanted prescription medications in pill and tablet form, over-the-counter medications, and vitamins and supplements. The department will not accept needles, sharps, or liquids at this collection event.

The takeback program offers an environmentally responsible alternative to flushing medications down the toilet, which can contaminate waterways. By participating, Pasadena residents help remove potentially dangerous medications from homes where they could be misused.

Additional information about the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, including other drop-off locations, is available at www.dea.gov/takebackday.

Residents can contact Sergeant Buchholz at jbuchholz@cityofpasadena.net for local questions.