Bill would force collection of old pharmaceuticals nationwide

Sept. 20 -- Prescription drug manufacturers would be forced to develop a national collection and disposal plan for waste pharmaceuticals under a bill introduced in Congress.

The Pharmaceutical Stewardship Act of 2011, known as HR 2939, was introduced by Louis Slaughter, D-N.Y.

The bill establishes a nonprofit organization, financed by pharmaceutical producers, which would be responsible for establishing comprehensive drug take-back programs in every state. Every county and city with a population greater than 10,000 would be required to have a collection site for waste pharmaceuticals or a pre-paid mailer must be made available to those residents, according to the bill.

In a statement, Slaughter said Congress must take action to reduce the threat posed by leftover prescription drugs to public health. She said the unused pharmaceuticals are often found in drinking and groundwater.

"Aquatic wildlife, whole ecosystems, and our communities own drinking water can never escape this witch´s brew of pharmaceuticals," Slaughter said in a statement.

The bill has been referred to the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Ways and Means Committee.

Contact Waste & Recycling News reporter Jeremy Carroll at jcarroll@crain.com or 313-446-6780.

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