[Pharmwaste] FW: work on pharmaceutical collections

[John Gohlke]

Meleesa, it sounds like you have a good start locally.  In Michigan I am =
working on a bill analysis that simply says the Depts. of Environmental =
Quality (DEQ) and Community Health (DCH) shall develop and implement a =
statewide program for the safe disposal of prescription drugs, including =
recycling of the drugs if feasible.  No staffing or funding resources are =
attached to the bill.  Just do it!

Can you or anyone else on the list serve provide an estimated cost to =
develop, implement, and operate a proper program?  I need to make them =
aware not only of the state agency FTE and budget needs, but also the DEA, =
local health department or other local collection agency, local law =
enforcement, and private industry collection and disposal costs and =
staffing requirements associated with operating such a program.  I think =
the DEQ and DCH would support such legislation but only if there is =
adequate staffing and budgetary resources attached to the legislation.

John N. Gohlke, Program Specialist
Medical Waste Regulatory Program
Radiological Protection and Medical Waste Section
Waste and Hazardous Material Division
Department of Environmental Quality
517-241-1320
fax: 517-373-4797