HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.a. Receive update on the Pharmaceutical Collection Program Page 1 of 2
Item 5.a.
CENTRAL SAN
March 8, 2021
TO: REAL ESTATE, ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING COMMITTEE
FROM: DAVID WYATT, HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE PROGRAM
SUPERVISOR
REVIEWED BY: LORI SCHECTEL, ENVIRONMENTALAND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
DIVISION MANAGER
JEAN-MARC PETIT, DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERINGAND TECHNICAL
SERVICES
ROGER S. BAILEY, GENERAL MANAGER
SUBJECT: RECEIVE UPDATE ON THE PHARMACEUTICAL COLLECTION PROGRAM
The Pharmaceutical Collection Program just celebrated its 12th year in operation, which began as a pilot
program in 2009 after more than a year of development and countless hours by its sponsors: Central San,
RecycleSmart, Contra Costa Office of the Sheriff, City of Walnut Creek, and Republic Services. The
three pilot collection sites were located at the Contra Costa County Sheriff Field Operation Bureau in
Martinez, Contra Costa Regional Medical Center, and the City of Walnut Creek Police Department.
The program gained interest shortly after the pilot began and within two years, 13 cities and towns had
collection sites located in their police departments. Since this program began, 145,000 pounds of
unwanted or expired medications were safely and properly collected and disposed.
Due to the recent addition of Contra Costa County's Safe Drug Disposal Ordinance in 2018, which led to
the implementation of 23 CVS and Kaiser pharmacy sites, and an additional 10 voluntary retail collection
sites at Safeway and Walgreens pharmacies, there are now more than 45 pharmaceutical collection sites
located within Central San's Household Hazardous Waste service area.
Over the past three years, Central San's collection sites have seen a decline in the amount of
pharmaceuticals collected. This is likely due to the convenience of dropping off unwanted medications
where residents refill their prescriptions, instead of taking them to a police station. There was also a sharp
reduction in 2020 due to many of the Central San sites being closed during COVI D-19 restrictions, while
many of the retail locations remained open and accessible.
This summer, Senate Bill 212 will go into effect and may provide additional retail locations that collect
pharmaceuticals. This bill also requires that sharps (syringes and related materials) are collected and
properly disposed and will provide more a comprehensive collection.
March 8, 2021 REEP Committee Meeting Agenda Packet- Page 7 of 37
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Strategic Plan Tie-In
GOAL ONE: Customer and Community
Strategy 1—Deliver high-quality customer service, Strategy 2—Maintain a positive reputation
GOAL TWO:Environmental Stewardship
Strategy 2—Anticipate and prepare for potential regulatory changes
GOAL THREE:Fiscal Responsibility
Strategy 1—Maintain financial stability and sustainability
March 8, 2021 REEP Committee Meeting Agenda Packet- Page 8 of 37