Title
Accept an update from the Health Department regarding safe disposal of pharmaceuticals and sharps in reference to Board Referral #2018.07.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Accept an update from the Health Department regarding safe disposal of pharmaceuticals and sharps in reference to Board Referral #2018.07.
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, SB 212 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 California Legislature ultimately passed SB 212, effective January 1, 2019, with major provisions as follows:
* Drug companies pay for a statewide disposal program for both unwanted medications and needles
* Drug companies must establish a stewardship program for covered drugs or for sharps.
* Convenience Standard: A drug company's stewardship program must contribute to meeting specified minimum requirements for authorized collection sites in each county in which the plan will be implemented, including, as applicable, a minimum of one authorized collection site per 50,000 people in the county and a minimum of 5 collection sites in the county. 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
* Covered products include pet medicines and needles and over the counter drugs, not just prescription drugs
* The Cali...
Click here for full text