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 must host bins in 15% of stores.
• Program pays administrative fees of oversight agency - no cost program to CalRecycle
• No preemption of any ordinances that have already passed, only those passing after April 18, 2018.
Given the preemption language in SB212, the Department suspended efforts to establish a local ordinance but will restart the process if SB212 is not successful. If SB212 is approved by the State legislature, Health will not seek approval of a local ordinance and will follow the provisions of SB212.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
No other agency was involved in development of this report.
FINANCING:
There is no impact to the County General Fund from this report.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
☐ Economic Development:
• Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
☐ Administration:
• Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability and transparency.
☒ Health & Human Services:
• Improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services; promoting access to equitable opportunities for healthy choices and healthy environments in collaboration with communities.
☐ Infrastructure:
• Plan and develop a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and supports economic development results.
☐ Public Safety:
• Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading businesses and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes as well as crimes in general.
Prepared by: Ezequiel Vega, Assistant Director of Health x 4622
Approved by: Elsa Jimenez, Director of Health x 4526