1. Introduction and Background
The unintended consequences of disposal of unwanted medicines represent an emerging concern for the environment and public health. This section provides background on this topic and includes information on disposal options, risks posed by
unwanted medicine disposal, studies where pharmaceutical chemicals
have been detected in the environment, the types of pharmaceutical
chemicals most frequently detected in water bodies, and the various pathways by which these substances enter the environment.
2. Unwanted
Medicine Take-Back Programs: Case Studies
Several states, cities, and counties throughout the United States
and worldwide have successfully initiated unwanted medicine
collection programs. These efforts aim to reduce the human and
environmental risks associated with the disposal of unwanted
medicines. This section consists of a collection of case
studies of such efforts that serve as models for future action.
3. How to Hold a Successful
Unwanted Medicine Collection Event
This section contains resources to help you plan and hold a medicine collection event for the public. It includes information on issues you should consider and barriers you might encounter when organizing a collection event. It provides a directory of waste managers; a list of potential partners who may be sources for funding, consultation or publicity; media tips and a sample press release; and day-of-the-event advice. It also discusses some of the regulatory requirements that you may need to consider when dealing with controlled
substances and hazardous materials.
4. Materials for Public Outreach and
Education
Public education materials related to unwanted
medicine disposal can help to increase awareness of the issue and to
promote action. This section contains outreach materials
developed by local and national programs, and were created to
educate the public on the issue and/or to announce collection
events. Similar informational materials could be distributed at
collection events or via pharmacies and doctors in your community.
5.
State Legislation Regarding Disposal and Donation of Medicines
While the United States does not have national legislation to
address medicine disposal and return programs, some states have
issued laws addressing these issues. This section summarizes this
legislation and can serve as a reference for officials who wish to
replicate such measures in their regions.
6. International Policy on Medicine Donations
Improper donation of medicines to humanitarian relief
efforts has proven to be a major problem for aid organizations. The
World Health Organization’s Guidelines for Drug Donations is
provided in this section.
7.
Bibliography of Literature on Pharmaceutical Chemicals and the
Environment
There is already a significant body of knowledge
regarding the types and locations of pharmaceutical chemicals in
waterways and the potential effects of these chemicals on wildlife.
This section provides a bibliography of scientific journal
publications and news reports related to this topic.
8.
Information for Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and hospice care
organizations are often faced with the problem of medicine disposal.
Two memos from Wisconsin's Department of Health and Family Services
provide instruction and information on approved disposal methods.
Similar information for other states will be added to this section
as it becomes available.
9. PowerPoint Presentation—Overview of the Issue
This presentation provides an overview of the issue of unwanted
medicines, discussing the environmental and safety hazards related
to unwanted medicines and describing the efforts underway to prevent
unwanted medicines from being disposed of improperly.
Speaker’s notes are provided on the CD for community organizers and
officials who wish to use this presentation as the basis for their
own outreach.
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