Oregon the Sixth US State to Legalize Drug Take-backs

As of 2019, Oregon became the sixth US state to insist that manufacturers must institute, fund and manage drug take-back programs. New legislation that was signed into being by the governor requires that statewide, manufacturers must ensure that every community has free, convenient, safe access to drug disposal. The program must be in place no later than the beginning of July 2021.

It’s a fact that unused medicines threaten the health of people and the environment. They’re particularly dangerous for children, pets and the elderly, who may unknowingly ingest toxic amounts. Pouring them down the drain or flushing them down the toilet causes them to dissolve into the water system, poisoning the water supply for humans, animals and fish, and destroying the environment.

Once the program is in place, Oregon residents will be able to return unused or expired medications to a pharmacy where they will be disposed of in a safe, environmentally friendly manner. Prepaid mail envelopes will be made available as part of the program.

The idea came from a Boston-based nonprofit organization that has helped smooth the way for drug laws to be passed across the country. Known as the Product Stewardship Institute, they’ve worked tirelessly for fifteen years to see drug take-back laws passed. The organization facilitates the cooperation of local and state agencies, helping them to share data and strategies about the drug take-back laws. Its founder, Scott Cassel, sees the new law as a victory that will go a long way to alleviating the opioid crisis and protecting groundwater quality. The financial and management burden will be removed from taxpayers and governments and place the main responsibility where it belongs- on the shoulders of the drug companies that produce them.