[Pharmwaste] Yellow Jug Old Drugs Update letter

[Chris Angel]

TO: Participating Pharmacies and Partners
FR: Chris Angel, President Founder Great Lakes/US Clean Water

Since the start of Great Lakes Clean Water (GLCW) and the Yellow Jug Old 
Drugs Program I have envisioned a time when collection of Rx-Waste would 
be commonplace and wide spread across the US.  I still believe that.
However the idea may be ahead of its time. A few weeks ago we sent out a 
letter detailing the accomplishments of GLCW since starting the Yellow 
Jug Old Drugs Program in 2008. We also cited what needed to happen to 
keep the program viable.  These were:
•	Paying the program fee for 2017 that was due 1.1.17 if you have not 
done so yet. Over 200 pharmacies have not paid the $300 fee.
•	Agree to utilize the new collection method.
•	Make a special donation to Great Lakes US Clean Water. Additional 
resources are always helpful, especially at this important stage.
•	Encourage customers to make a donation to the program. (Our goal has 
always been to have to have programs like this funded 1/3 by pharmacies, 
1/3 individuals. 1/3 pharmaceutical companies.
To date we have not received the support we need to allow us to continue 
operation of the Yellow Jug Old Drugs Program.
I do sincerely apologize if your pharmacy has paid your fee for 2017 and 
you are affected by this. We are not in a position to provide any credit 
for program fees paid.  I want to assure you that any money we have 
received has been used entirely on program operation.  I personally have 
not taken a wage or received any compensation in over two years. I 
volunteered my time because I believe this to be a very important issue.
I have heard from entities interested in purchasing the rights and 
intellectual property to operate the Yellow Jug Old Drugs Program. I am 
making other potentially interested parties aware of the opportunity. 
The right entity, with sufficient capital and human resources can 
provide a needed service to a growing number of pharmacies and find it 
to be very lucrative. My desire is that we can connect the right entity 
before the end of May to provide some sort of transition as soon as 
possible. Interested entities should contact me for more information.
In the meantime, we are not in a financial position to conduct in person 
collection at pharmacies. You may ship non-controlled substances to us 
(shipping charges paid by you) to our warehouse prior to May 25. The 
returned jugs will be taken to the high temperature incinerator in 
Detroit for destruction. An instruction sheet will be posted at 
www.YellowJugOldDrugsProgram by Friday 5.12. We are requesting 
information from the DEA on how to handle controlled substances that 
have been collected at pharmacies. Details to follow.  If you have 
questions send them to me ChrisAngel at GreatLakes-US-CleanWater.Org
I am proud of the work GLCW has done on this issue. The focus for GLCW 
will now be education and promotion of clean water initiatives including 
the proper disposal of Rx-Waste. Because of my experience in the field, 
I have been asked to provide consulting services with a state desiring 
to run a drug collection program, as well consulting with a large 
medical waste collector that is interested in tapping into the potential 
of this high growth industry. I do plan, as time allows to provide 
consulting services to other Federal, state, and private and non-profit 
entities on this issue. A lot of work yet needs to be done.
I am hopeful that one day a more permanent funding structure will be 
available for programs like this. In our case, the will, desire and a 
great product are in place. The only piece lacking is adequate funding.


-- 
Chris Angel, President

www.GreatLakes-US-CleanWater.org

www.YellowJugOldDrugsProgram.com