Title
Receive an oral report from the Health Department regarding safe disposal of pharmaceuticals and sharps and provide direction as appropriate.
Presenter: Ezequiel Vega, Assistant Director of Health
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Health and Human Services Committee of the Board of Supervisors:
Receive an oral report from the Health Department regarding safe disposal of pharmaceuticals and sharps and provide direction as appropriate.
Presenter: Ezequiel Vega, Assistant Director of Health
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Board referral number 2018.07 requested the Health Department (Health) to research and provide options for the implementation of an ordinance addressing safe disposal of pharmaceuticals and sharps in Monterey County. Accordingly, Health reviewed multiple ordinances in other jurisdictions and is in the process of drafting an ordinance to present to the Board for consideration.
Simultaneous to these efforts, SB212 was introduced to the California legislature by Senator Jackson and Assembly Member Ting. This bill was presented to the Assembly Environmental and Toxic Materials Committee on Tuesday June 26, 2018 and was approved with a 5-1 vote. The assembly approved the bill on August 31, 2018 which was enrolled on September 7, 2018 and presented to the Governor for signature on September 12, 2018 at 5 pm. Major components of the bill are delineated below.
Drug companies pay for a statewide disposal program for both unwanted medications and needles
* Covered products will include pet medicines and needles and over the counter drugs not just prescription drugs
* CalRecycle would be the lead agency in consultation with Board of Pharmacy and CA Dept. of Public Health
* Convenience Standard: Minimum 5 collection bins per county or one for every 50,000 people whichever is more AND any pharmacy or law enforcement that wants to host a safe disposal bin can get one. If minimum number of drop off locations are not met, chain retail pharmacies mu...
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