Transcript Medicine Disposal Programs

DRUG (RX & OTC) DISPOSAL
PROGRAMS
5/30/2012
Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board
Outline
2
1.
2.
3.
Background of the problem
Disposal programs in MN
Strategy for the Great
Lakes region
(IL, IN, MI, MN, NY, OH, PA, WI)
Rx Drug Abuse
3

In 2008, 20,000 people died from Rx drug
overdoses in U.S.
 15,000
of these from Rx painkillers such as
oxycodone, hydrocodone, and methadone


Rx drug overdoses kill more Minnesotans than
traffic deaths
Majority who misused Rx drugs obtained from a
friend or relative.
Environmental Concerns
4

Neither flushing nor landfilling are OK
 Pharmaceuticals
are not removed by waste water
treatment
Trace concentrations found in water
 Adverse affects to fish and other aquatic
wildlife; unintentional human exposure

Federal Legislation
5

The Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal
Act of 2010.
 Amends
the Controlled Substances Act
 New rule expected to provide safe &
convenient drug disposal

Proposed law to establish
pharmaceutical stewardship involving
manufacturers
Minnesota Milestones
6


2009: MN legislation allows law
enforcement & counties to possess
controlled substances.
2010: MPCA Program Management
Decision allows solid waste management
facilities to incinerate household
pharmaceuticals.
Programs at law enforcement sites
7
Statewide: 89 + sites

48 counties
SWMCB region: 13 +






Anoka: 3
Carver: 1
Dakota: 3, going to 11
Hennepin: 3
Ramsey: 2
Washington: 1
Retail Pharmacies
8


Pharmacies in Bloomington, Brooklyn
Center, Minneapolis, St. Louis Park and
Sartell
Cannot accept controlled substances at this
time
Strategy for Great Lakes Region
9
“Key Elements of
Pharmaceutical
Collection and Disposal
Programs:
A Vision for the Great
Lakes Region”
Strategy for Great Lakes Region
10
Programs should . . .
 Protect public health and the
environment
 Minimize the impact on the environment
Strategy for Great Lakes Region
11
Programs should . . .
 Be sustainably and adequately
funded
 Identify and address the underlying
drivers that contribute to
pharmaceutical waste
Conclusion
12

Strategy for the Great Lakes Region is
consistent with . . .
 2011-2030 SWMCB Regional Solid Waste
Master Plan.
 MPCA Metropolitan Solid Waste
Management Policy Plan 2010-2030.
 NACo’s resolution in Support of a Safe,
Convenient Medicine Return Program.
Conclusion
13
Rx drug abuse is a widespread problem.
 Improper drug disposal poses risks to human
and environmental health.
 MN drug disposal sites are increasing.


SWMCB should evaluate and consider
endorsing the same strategy as the Great
Lakes Region.