Please note: Due to COVID-19, collection of unwanted/expired prescription drugs in the drop bin in the lobby of the Police Station has been suspended until further notice. We are encouraging anyone that wants to dispose of the drugs/medication to hold onto them in their home and dispose of them at a later date. Thanks for your understanding as we are limiting the public contact to our officers through this pandemic.
Coral Gables Partners with Covanta Dade Renewable Energy To Offer Environmentally Safe Disposal of Medication
The City of Coral Gables was the first municipality in Miami-Dade County to partner with Covanta Dade Renewable Energy to keep prescription drugs off the street and dispose them in an environmentally safe manner.
A new drop-off bin will be installed in the lobby of the new Coral Gables Public Safety Building located at 2151 Salzedo Street (Please note: The drop off is temporarily closed due to the move to the new Public Safety Building). Individuals can drop off their expired or unwanted prescription drugs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The pharmaceuticals collected will be incinerated for safe destruction.
When flushed down the drain or disposed of in landfills, medications can enter the waterways and contaminate surface waters, having an adverse effect on the drinking water and the environment. In addition, unused medications in the household contribute to growing rates of accidental exposure or intentional misuse among Americans, particularly teenagers.
Among the disposable items that can be collected are prescription medicines, prescription patches, ointments, over-the counter medications, vitamins, and medicine samples. Items not allowed are thermometers, hydrogen peroxide, needles, medications from businesses or clinics, aerosol cans, as well as non-prescription ointments, lotions or liquids.
To date, the City has collected and safely destroyed over 430 pounds of prescription drugs.
For more information, please contact the Coral Gables Police Department Community Affairs Unit at 305-460-5401.
