San Francisco Formulates Drug Drop Off Program
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – The San Francisco Supervisors' Public Safety Committee moved closer on Thursday to developing a drug drop off program for people who want to dispose of old medications.
For months the city has been looking for ways to stop people from tossing old drugs into trash cans and toilets. Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi has been spearheading the effort.
KCBS' Barbara Taylor Reports:
"This is a hazard to our waste water systems and to public health because of how (these drugs) get discarded in our landfills," said Mirkarimi.
Mirkarimi said he initially wanted drug stores to take back unused drugs, but that proved unworkable, so instead five district police stations were recently designated as drop off spots. Some mom and pop drug stores may participate as well.
To get the word out, the Public Safety Committee has now approved legislation to force all drug stores, including the giants like Walgreens, to post information about how and where drugs can be safely discarded.
"It's important that people are reminded at the point of purchase of what their options are for discarding these unwanted pharmaceuticals.
The intention is to set up an 18-month pilot program for disposing of unwanted drugs using $110,000 grant donated by the pharmaceutical industry.
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