March 21, 2007

Senator Joe Simitian, Chair
Senate Environmental Quality Committee
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: SB 966 (Simitian) Pharmaceutical Waste Take back - Support

Dear Senator Simitian:

We urge your support Senate Bill 966 by Senator Joe Simitian, which would require retail pharmacies to have in place a system for the acceptance and collection of unused pharmaceuticals for proper disposal.

Currently there are few safe and convenient ways for consumers to dispose of unused prescription drugs. A 2006 study showed that only 5% of pharmacies had a consistent message to patients on the safe disposal of pharmaceuticals. Nearly all unused pharmaceuticals enter either our solid waste system or our sewage system. Neither disposal methods are environmentally sound. Pharmaceuticals flushed down the toilet pass through our sewage treatment plants-which are generally not designed to screen for these chemicals. Pharmaceuticals discarded in landfills can seep into the surrounding watertable.

Several studies, including a 2002 analysis by the US Geological Survey of 139 streams across 30 states found that 80 percent of waterways tested had measurable concentrations of prescription and nonprescription drugs, steroids, and reproductive hormones. Preliminary studies in San Francisco have also found trace amounts in tap water. 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. The European Union, as well as Australia and British Columbia have pharmaceutical take-back programs of some variety.

The take back provisions of SB 966 will provide consumers with a safe and convenient system for the environmentally sound management of unused prescription drugs. Pharmacies represent a logical and convenient collection point for consumers, and pharmacies are in a strong position to negotiate with pharmaceutical manufacturers for a "shared responsibility" for any costs associated with the proper management of pharmaceuticals.
Existing law already requires many pharmacies to provide consumers with a take back and recycling obligation for other problem products, including plastic bags, rechargeable batteries and cell phones. Extending this take back responsibility to pharmaceuticals is logical and sound.

We urge your support of SB 966 when it is heard in the Senate Environmental Quality Committee.

Sincerely,

Mark Murray
Executive Director
Californians Against Waste