Garden City Police Urge Drug Take Back Participation

Residents can safely dispose of expired or unwanted medications at GCPD headquarters on April 25.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:21pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a prescription pill bottle against a stark, black background, the harsh flash highlighting the bottle's texture and material details in a gritty, investigative style.A local police department's drug take-back event aims to safely dispose of unwanted medications and prevent them from contributing to the opioid crisis.Garden City Today

The Garden City Police Department is encouraging residents to participate in the Drug Enforcement Agency's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25. Community members can safely dispose of their unwanted or expired prescription drugs at a collection center located at the GCPD Headquarters from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Why it matters

This nationwide effort aims to combat the opioid epidemic and promote the safe disposal of prescription drugs, which can prevent them from falling into the wrong hands and potentially save lives.

The details

Officials said by participating in National Drug Take Back Day, residents can prevent prescription drugs from "falling into the wrong hands and potentially save lives." Commissioner Gerard Kneisel said they are accepting all unused, expired, and unwanted medications that are often associated with drug abuse, accidental poisonings, and overdoses. For those who cannot drop off the drugs at a collection site on the official April 25th date, Kneisel said the GCPD accepts unwanted medications every day.

  • The Drug Take Back Day event will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The players

Garden City Police Department

The local law enforcement agency in Garden City, New York that is organizing the Drug Take Back Day event.

Gerard Kneisel

The commissioner of the Garden City Police Department who is encouraging residents to participate in the Drug Take Back Day event.

Drug Enforcement Agency

The federal agency that is leading the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day program across the United States.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It allows for the safe disposal of drugs instead of flushing, burying, or throwing them out in the garbage, which poses significant environmental and health risks.”

— Gerard Kneisel, Commissioner

What’s next

Residents can use the DEA's online locator to find the nearest drug take back collection site if they are unable to visit the GCPD headquarters on April 25.

The takeaway

Drug Take Back Day provides a safe and convenient way for residents to dispose of unwanted or expired prescription medications, helping to combat the opioid crisis and protect the environment.