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SB 966: Pharmaceutical drug disposal (2007)

Summary

SB 966 (2007) requires the California Integrated Waste Management Board to develop, in consultation with appropriate state, local, and federal agencies, model programs for the collection and proper disposal of pharmaceutical drug waste. The model programs are required to include, at a minimum, specific actions and informational elements and are required to be available to eligible participants no
sooner than July 1, 2008, but no later than December 1, 2008. 

For more information, you can read the SB 966 "Fact Sheet" prepared by a member of Senator Simitian's staff.

Final Status and Text

SB 966 is no longer active. Its final status was:
Signed into Law

You can read its final text on the Legislature's Bill Information site.

Background Information

Need for the bill:

The United States Geological Survey conducted a study in 2002 sampling 139 streams across 30 states and found that 80 percent had measurable concentrations of prescription and nonprescription drugs, steroids, and reproductive hormones.  Exposure, even to low levels of pharmaceuticals, has been shown to have negative effects on fish and other aquatic species and may have negative effects on human health.

Without a safe and effective method for disposal, prescription drugs may be left indefinitely in medicine cabinets where they pose a threat of potential prescription drug misuse or abuse. 

In recognition of this problem, in February, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Health and Human Services Agency and the Environmental Protection Agency released new Federal prescription drug disposal guidelines urging Americans to utilize pharmaceutical take-back locations.  However, there are few of these programs in existence.

In California, several local governments, water districts, law enforcement agencies and non-profit organizations have organized singular prescription drug take back event days.

The State of Washington is currently implementing a pharmacy-based take-back program pilot project.  Maine has adopted legislation to implement a mail-back program to the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Several other states have introduced legislation to address this issue.


News & Press Releases about SB 966

11/24/2007 - At last, a home for unwanted drugs

10/14/2007 - NorCal Teen Inspires New Prescription Flushing Law

10/13/2007 - NorCal Teen Inspires New Prescription Flushing Law

10/12/2007 - Drug "Take-Back" Plan Signed by Governor; Environmental and "Pharming" Issues Addressed

10/04/2007 - Bill to keep drugs out of drinking water needs only Schwarzenegger's signature

09/11/2007 - Drug "Take-Back" Plan Headed To Governor; Environmental and "Pharming" Issues Addressed

09/10/2007 - Senator Simitian Speaks on SB 966 - Prescription Drug Disposal

09/05/2007 - Californians Against Waste Name Simitian 2007 "Legislator of the Year"

07/29/2007 - Pharmacy take-back programs good for environment

07/12/2007 - Take-back efforts on rise

05/31/2007 - Senate Passes Drug Disposal Plan - Not A Vote To Spare

04/04/2007 - 'There Oughta Be a Law' contest winners chosen

04/04/2007 - Winners Announced for Public Contest to Invent New Laws (audio)

04/03/2007 - Senator Simitian Announces Winners of 2007 "There Oughta Be A Law" Contest