Pharmaceutical Project Update PSI Forum, June 2008 Dave Galvin Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County (Seattle, WA)

A timely subject…

Pharmaceuticals Antibiotics Anti-inflammatories Beta-blockers Anti-depressants (SSRIs) Steroids Hormones, estrogen replacements, BC pills Chemotherapeutics Stimulants Etc.

Drugs are showing up in the environment Ibuprofen, valium, prozac, antibiotics, steroids, hormones Found in 80% of U.S. streams tested by USGS Found in drinking water supplies in many U.S. cities

Drugs also present poisoning and abuse hazards Most homes have many medicines on the shelves Common source of childhood poisonings Common source of teenage and adult abuse

Federal guidelines…Federal guidelines…

Models/pilot projects One-day collection events Household hazardous waste services Drop-off at police or sheriff offices Mail-back Drop-off/take-back at pharmacies

PSI Pharmaceuticals Project Phase I –Conduct literature search. –Identify and summarize existing efforts. –Identify and interview key stakeholders; invite participation in national dialogue. –Develop Product Stewardship Action Plan for Unwanted/Waste Pharmaceuticals. –Post Action Plan and project materials on PSI website.

PSI Pharmaceuticals Project Phase II –Convene four national dialogue meetings with key stakeholders. –Convene workgroups between meetings. –Develop priority agreement(s) with key stakeholders. –Promote and disseminate project results through multiple venues. Phase III –Jointly implement priority projects and initiatives.

PSI Pharmaceuticals Project Funders: –Waste Mgmt. Inc. –EXP Pharmaceuticals –Water Environment Federation –Nat’l Assoc. of Clean Water Agencies –King County, WA –State of Minnesota –State of California –City of San Francisco, CA –State of Idaho –San Benito Co. Int. Waste –Los Angeles Co. San. Dist. –City of Santa Monica, CA –City of Palo Alto, CA –Snohomish County, WA

In sum… An important, timely focus for PSI Strong public support for a solution Phase I completed this week! Phase II launch on June 19 th & 20 th in Sacramento, CA Join in: talk drugs, help us to address this significant issue and develop product stewardship solutions.

For more information Sierra Fletcher – PSI project manager Dave Galvin – PSI board rep to project