I'm trying to start a program in partnership with pharmacies in Illinois to accept unused or expired medications from citizens for proper destruction. We have always accepted these items as part of a list of household hazardous or chemical wastes, but we would like to start something that is easier for people to utilize. I have learned that there may exist a conflict between governing laws. When someone wishes to discard their medicine, it may be considered a chemical waste or, in the case of certain drugs, be considered regulated by the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and subject to DEA witnessed collection/destruction. I was hoping someone has some insight or experience with this situation and could offer some guidance.
Thanks!
Marta Keane,
Recycling Program Specialist
Will County Land Use - Waste Services
58 E. Clinton Street, Suite 500
Joliet, IL 60432
815-774-4343
[email protected]
Pharmaceutical Take-Back Programs
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The California legislature is considering SB 966, to require pharmacy take-back. Here's the link to the analysis http://info.sen.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/sen/sb_0951-1000/sb_966_cfa_20070323_1 84144_sen_comm.html
The analysis indicates "Federal law prohibits anyone other than law enforcement from taking possession of drugs once they are prescribed and dispensed. Therefore controlled substances should be from the provisions of this bill."
Marta--here are some articles I've collected on Take Back programs:
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/16738882.htm
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2007/mar/18/guest_commentary_springclean_ your_homes_medicine_c/
Ohio, Senate Bill 33 Drug Respository Law
http://view.exacttarget.com/?ffcb10-fe561570706d017a701d-fe1c13777d6c017 f701578-fefe1575716403
http://www.drugnewswire.com/13130/
To learn more check out the Pharmwaste listserv: http://lists.dep.state.fl.us/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/pharmwaste
A pilot take-back program is getting started here in King County, WA. http://www.wastenotwashington.org/ I can also provide a contact person in local government who's been involved in developing this program and knows the ins and outs of how they dealt with DEA regs--please email me.
Allegra Abramo
Hi Marta (and all)
Here is the link to OPAL (Overseas Pharmaceutical Aid for Life), a pharma take-back program operating in Australia, similar to those already highlighted on this list: www.opal.org.au OPAL also seeks donations of in-date stock for various charitable purposes.
Cheers,
Sharon
...
Prince Edward Island, Canada has such a program. Islanders may take back unused or expired medication to any pharmacy at no charge. In return, the pharmacy is not charged for the final disposal of medication received from households. It is called "Take it Back"; the link and contact information is attached. http://iwmc.pe.ca/takeback.htm
Merie Surkan
Manager, Marketing and Public Relations
Island Waste Management Corporation
110 Watts Ave., Ch'town PEI C1E 2C1
ph: (902) 368-5619
Toll-free: 1-888-280-8111