On the Clinical Waste Discussion Forum, we have repeatedly made reference to the local and regional collection schemes for hazardous household waste that collect from householders sharps waste, some clinical wastes, and most importantly unwanted medicines including both prescription- and non-prescription items.

The importance of effective collection schemes are many. To assist in environmentally sound disposal and to prevent accumulation with the attendant risk of accidental, or not-so-accidental poisoning. Collections should always go hand-in-hand with improvement in prescribing practices.

Sonoma is the largest of the nine San Francisco Bay Area counties in California. Their next collection, managed economically as an open drop-off at a convenient location in town, calls for:

• Prescription and over-the-counter-pills
• Liquid medications and sealed ointments, lotions and creams
• Veterinary medications
• Vitamins,supplements and homeopathic remedies
• Medical patches
• Empty inhalers
• Medical samples

Not accepted are:

• Controlled substances
• Chemotherapy drugs
• IV bags
•  Bloody or infectious waste
• Personal care products (lotion, shampoo, etc.)
• Aerosol cans
• Epi-pens, needles or sharps
• Thermometers
• Illegal drugs
• Medical marijuana

It’s a pity that there is such a wide list of excluded items but nonetheless this will make a substantial contribution to protection of the environment.

The scheme operates with support and sponsorship of the County Department of Health Services, the County Water Agency, the local Watershed Association, City Environmental Services, the Police Department and local support citizen groups.

It is reported that during the last of their quarterly collections, more than 600 pounds of unwanted medicine and approximately 212 pounds of sharps were collected throughout Sonoma County.

Who can say this is not worth the very minimal effort involved?