Thanks to CalRecycle for updated information on the development of model guidelines for home-generated pharmaceutical collection programs in California.

 California’s Senate Bill 966 passed in 2007 and required CalRecycle to work with other state agencies and stakeholders to develop voluntary Model Guidelines, then report to the Legislature with recommendations for the potential implementation of a statewide program and statutory changes. That report is now available:

Recommendations for Home-Generated Pharmaceutical Collection Programs in California

Here are some key findings:

• Based on survey results (with an 86% response rate), CalRecycle found that local governments currently fund more than 80 percent of collection programs in California and pharmacies fund another 15 percent.
• CalRecycle found that only about one-third of existing programs in California met the voluntary Model Guidelines. Of the major types of programs (law enforcement collection, pharmacy collection, household hazardous waste collection, periodic collection “events,” and mail-back programs), each has advantages and barriers in being able to meet the voluntary Model Guidelines.
• CalRecycle recommends the Legislature adopt a combination of two options:
  • Establish Clear State Agency Roles and Responsibilities, Improve Model Guidelines and Enforcement, and Convert Guidelines to Regulation, and
  • Implement Product Stewardship

Background information is also available here