DRUG (R X & OTC) DISPOSAL PROGRAMS Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board 5/30/2012

Outline 1. Background of the problem 2. Disposal programs in MN 3. Strategy for the Great Lakes region (IL, IN, MI, MN, NY, OH, PA, WI) 2

R x Drug Abuse 3 In 2008, 20,000 people died from R x drug overdoses in U.S. 15,000 of these from R x painkillers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and methadone R x drug overdoses kill more Minnesotans than traffic deaths Majority who misused R x 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 Amends the Controlled Substances Act New rule expected to provide safe & convenient drug disposal Proposed law to establish pharmaceutical stewardship involving manufacturers

Minnesota Milestones : 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 48 counties Anoka: 3 Carver: 1 Dakota: 3, going to 11 Hennepin: 3 Ramsey: 2 Washington: 1 7 Statewide: 89 + sitesSWMCB region: 13 +

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 Key Elements of Pharmaceutical Collection and Disposal Programs: A Vision for the Great Lakes Region 9

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 SWMCB Regional Solid Waste Master Plan. MPCA Metropolitan Solid Waste Management Policy Plan NACos 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.

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