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<td><center><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">EXTERNAL MESSAGE</span><br></strong>This email originated outside of DEP. Please use caution when opening attachments, clicking links, or responding to this email.</center></td>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Hey Ed,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I thought I might chime in here. I concur; the home disposal companies should not be downplaying the national collection events at all! Here in California, they took it a step further and tried to pass a bill a couple of times to require
pharmacies to provide their products with opioid prescriptions. Their first attempt was in 2024 with Assembly Bill 2445 (AB 2445) (<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB2445">https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB2445</a>).
That first attempt didn’t even get out of the first committee in the house of origin! The bill was reintroduced again in 2025 under AB 1394 (<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1394">https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1394</a>),
this time placing the cost burden on the State. Again, this bill also didn’t get past the first committee.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">California already has a robust statewide collection network pursuant to Senate Bill 212 (Jackson, 2018) that CPSC sponsored (<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB212">https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB212</a>).
<b>This program is <u>funded and operated</u> by the pharmaceutical industry.</b> Information on this program can be found on CalRecycle’s website at:
<a href="https://calrecycle.ca.gov/epr/pharmasharps/pharma/">https://calrecycle.ca.gov/epr/pharmasharps/pharma/</a> or on Med-Project’s website at:
<a href="https://med-project.org/locations/california/meds/?utm_source=medtakebackcalifornia&utm_medium=domain_redirect&utm_campaign=legacy_domain">
https://med-project.org/locations/california/meds/?utm_source=medtakebackcalifornia&utm_medium=domain_redirect&utm_campaign=legacy_domain</a>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In addition to the statewide program (see map from the Med-Project website below), nine counties have their own EPR ordinances that are structured similar to the statewide program. According to Med-Project’s 2025 annual report (<a href="https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/PublicNotices/Documents/18139">https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/PublicNotices/Documents/18139</a>)
there were 1,104 collection locations under their part of the statewide program. Until recently, there were an additional 521 locations run by the Drug Takeback Foundation (Inmar) according to their 2025 annual report (<a href="https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/PublicNotices/Documents/18135">https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/PublicNotices/Documents/18135</a>),
however, they have ceased to run a program here in California as of June 30, 2026. It is uncertain if those 521 locations will join Med-Project’s network.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">According to the annual reports, the statewide program costs in 2025 for Med-Project were about $8.6M and for Inmar, about $2.2M, or a total statewide cost of $10.8M for 2025. With a population of 39M people in California, that is $0.28/person/year!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><img border="0" width="702" height="532" style="width:7.3125in;height:5.5416in" id="_x0000_i1029" src="cid:image002.png@01DD0DE7.87FE7670"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Back in 2024, my research showed the costs that would be borne by either the pharmacies or the State if these products were mandated:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in">We’ve included some cost analysis below based on four popular disposal options found online for drug disposal systems (Cheapest to Most Costly)*:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><b>Element MDS</b>: $4.66/pouch; would create a likely cost burden of approximately $63.6M/year.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><b>Deterra</b>: $6.25/pouch; would create a likely cost burden of approximately $85.3M/year.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><b>RX Pill Disposal</b>: $13.97/bottle; would create a likely cost burden of approximately $190.6M/year.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><b>Pill Terminator</b>: $14.99/bottle; would create a likely cost burden of approximately $204.5M/year.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.75in"><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt">*Based on CDPH 2023 Opioid Dashboard for Q1-Q4 of 13,640,794 prescriptions annually.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Furthermore, I’m not certain that these at home disposal products are actually legally landfillable here in California. I have been having an ongoing email discussion with one of the product manufacturers starting back in 2019 over their
products that require adding water as part of the deactivation process. Below is the California specific regulations regarding Moisture-Holding Capacity and Free Liquids:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:.5in">Landfills must comply with Title 27 of the California Code of Regulations. Title 27 covers the requirements of both CalRecycle and the State Water Resources Control Board.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:.5in"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fgovt.westlaw.com%2fcalregs%2fBrowse%2fHome%2fCalifornia%2fCaliforniaCodeofRegulations%3fguid%3dI9C47A720D44F11DEA95CA4428EC25FA0%26transitionType%3dDefault%26contextData%3d%2528sc.Default%2529&c=E,1,fduSiz2iq8klKvyWWtgsB19hlnGsAUXN0nhFJbsMlvJCQHBJAPtTxJlQ5NIRlL7GknC3WUBgZJ3clmz4SgsCsPnG03svrXk_PkC8S_V7kec,&typo=1">https://govt.westlaw.com/calregs/Browse/Home/California/CaliforniaCodeofRegulations?guid=I9C47A720D44F11DEA95CA4428EC25FA0&transitionType=Default&contextData=%28sc.Default%29</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:.5in"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:.5in">Title 14 covers Transfer Stations and Material Recovery Facilities, among other operations. The same requirement may also be included there for Transfer Stations since most of the material ends up at a landfill.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:.5in"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:.5in">Here is some of the code around liquids in landfills:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:.5in"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121;background:white">From Title 27:</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:.5in"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:1.0in"><a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fgovt.westlaw.com%2fcalregs%2fDocument%2fIE6390BE05F6811DFBF66AC2936A1B85A%3fviewType%3dFullText%26originationContext%3ddocumenttoc%26transitionType%3dCategoryPageItem%26contextData%3d%28sc.Default%29&c=E,1,xguwf2XwCp-DH6Ka0P_ez0Kn5d7FxxquXsX_UY7nE4y9EIiC0EOHdXWv3LukdNXais3odCJRJ8Q6rxK1a8Sn7KxfH7b7f_MoWQXvXZUp_J4Sh1Psj_VC&typo=1">https://govt.westlaw.com/calregs/Document/IE6390BE05F6811DFBF66AC2936A1B85A?viewType=FullText&originationContext=documenttoc&transitionType=CategoryPageItem&contextData=(sc.Default)</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:1.0in"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:1.0in;background:#F7F7F7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#212121">Title 27. Environmental Protection</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:84.0pt;background:#F7F7F7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#212121">Division 2. Solid Waste</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:96.0pt;background:#F7F7F7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#212121">Subdivision 1. Consolidated Regulations for Treatment, Storage, Processing or Disposal of Solid Waste</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:1.5in;background:#F7F7F7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#212121">Chapter 2. Definitions</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:120.0pt;background:#F7F7F7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#212121">Article 2. Specific Definitions (Refs & Annos)</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" align="center" style="margin-left:60.0pt;text-align:center;background:white">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#212121">27 CCR § 20164</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" align="center" style="margin-left:60.0pt;text-align:center;line-height:18.0pt;background:white">
<span style="font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#252525">§ 20164. Combined CalRecycle & SWRCB Technical Definitions.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:60.0pt"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:.5in"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121;background:white">“</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121;background:aqua">Moisture-holding
capacity</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121;background:white">” (SWRCB) means the amount of liquid which can be held against gravity by waste materials without generating free liquid</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121;background:white"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121;background:white">“</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121;background:#80FFFF">Free liquid</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121;background:white">”
(SWRCB) means liquid which readily separates from the solid portions of waste under ambient temperature and pressure. Free liquids are not present when a 100 milliliter representative sample of the waste can be completely retained in a standard 400 micron
conical paint filter for 5 minutes without loss of any portion of the waste from the bottom of the filter (or an equivalent test approved by the Department of Toxic Substances Control).</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121;background:white"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121;background:white"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:1.0in"><a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fgovt.westlaw.com%2fcalregs%2fDocument%2fIBE7EA7D0D44F11DEA95CA4428EC25FA0%3fviewType%3dFullText%26originationContext%3ddocumenttoc%26transitionType%3dCategoryPageItem%26contextData%3d%28sc.Default%29&c=E,1,1FPEzyl0srVdjDMgjYE6eb5galwedNql8I4q521FhEFbv11oECGQ9YSEbmOX5UnfC9V5vbncVqvrkubicelKeRh8I6m5wPmMyXJXApxXerY,&typo=1">https://govt.westlaw.com/calregs/Document/IBE7EA7D0D44F11DEA95CA4428EC25FA0?viewType=FullText&originationContext=documenttoc&transitionType=CategoryPageItem&contextData=(sc.Default)</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121;background:white"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:1.0in;background:#F7F7F7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#212121">Title 27. Environmental Protection</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:84.0pt;background:#F7F7F7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#212121">Division 2. Solid Waste</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:96.0pt;background:#F7F7F7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#212121">Subdivision 1. Consolidated Regulations for Treatment, Storage, Processing or Disposal of Solid Waste</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:1.5in;background:#F7F7F7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#212121">Chapter 3. Criteria for All Waste Management Units, Facilities, and Disposal Sites</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:120.0pt;background:#F7F7F7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#212121">Subchapter 2. Siting and Design</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:132.0pt;background:#F7F7F7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#212121">Article 2. SWRCB - Waste Classification and Management (Refs & Annos)</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" align="center" style="margin-left:60.0pt;text-align:center;background:white">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#212121">27 CCR § 20200</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" align="center" style="margin-left:60.0pt;text-align:center;line-height:18.0pt;background:white">
<span style="font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#252525">§ 20200. SWRCB - Applicability and Classification Criteria. (C15: s2520)</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121;background:white"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121">(d) Management of Liquids at Landfills and Waste Piles -The following requirements apply to discharges of liquids at Class II waste
piles and at Class II and Class III landfills, except as otherwise required for MSW landfills by more-stringent state and federal requirements under SWRCB Resolution No. 93-62 section 2908 of Title 23 of this Code (see 40CFR258.28) [Note: see also definitions
of “leachate” and “landfill gas condensate” in s20164 ]:</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121">(1) [Reserved.];</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121">(2) wastes containing
<span style="background:#80FFFF">free liquids </span>shall not be discharged to a Class II waste pile. Any waste that contains liquid in excess of the
<span style="background:aqua">moisture-holding capacity</span> of the waste in the Class II landfill, or which contains liquid in excess of the moisture-holding capacity as a result of waste management operations, compaction, or settlement shall only be discharged
to a surface impoundment or to another Unit with containment features equivalent to a surface impoundment; and</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121;background:yellow">(3) liquids or semi-solid waste (i.e., waste containing less than 50 percent solids, by weight), other than dewatered
sewage or water treatment sludge as described in s20220(c), shall not be discharged to Class III landfills. Exceptions may be granted by the RWQCB if the discharger can demonstrate that such discharge will not exceed the moisture-holding capacity of the landfill,
either initially or as a result of waste management operations, compaction, or settlement, so long as such discharge is not otherwise prohibited by applicable state or federal requirements.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xxmsonormal" style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121">Note: Authority cited: Section 1058, Water Code. Reference: Section 13172, Water Code; and Section 43103, Public Resources Code.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I hope those reading this response find it helpful. Please let me know if you have any questions.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:#31005A;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in">Respectfully,</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:#31005A;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in">Doug Kobold </span></b><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#31005A;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in">|</span></b><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:#31005A;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in"> Executive
Director</span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://linktr.ee/CalPSC"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#31005A;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="275" height="166" style="width:2.868in;height:1.7291in" id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image001.png@01DD0DE5.81BE57F0"></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:#31005A;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in">921 11<sup>th</sup> Street, Suite 700</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:#31005A;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in">Sacramento, CA 95814</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:#31005A;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in">C: </span><span style="color:black"><a href="tel:(916)%20413-5262" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:#31005A;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;text-decoration:none">(916)
205-2017</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><u><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:blue;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in"><a href="mailto:Doug@calpsc.org">Doug@calpsc.org</a></span></u><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> Pharmwaste <pharmwaste-bounces@lists.dep.state.fl.us>
<b>On Behalf Of </b>Ed Gottlieb<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, July 7, 2026 6:52 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> Knieser, Brian <knieser.brian@epa.gov><br>
<b>Cc:</b> Fitzgerald.Kristin@epa.gov; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration <dea@public.govdelivery.com>; Cynthia Finley <CFinley@nacwa.org>; pharmwaste@lists.dep.state.fl.us<br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [Pharmwaste] Resource guide on drug deactivation bags<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><strong><span style="font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif;color:red">EXTERNAL MESSAGE</span></strong><b><span style="color:black"><br>
</span></b><span style="color:black">This email originated outside of DEP. Please use caution when opening attachments, clicking links, or responding to this email.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black">Hi Brian,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black">Yes, I wanted to copy you since products for home disposal of medications are on EPA's radar.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black">By my thinking, it is unethical for companies making or selling drug home disposal products to purposefully create the false impression that safe disposal options are very limited (by not providing a link to the
DEA's Year-Round Drop-Off Locations - Search Utility) in order to sell more product. </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black">I would be happy to speak with anyone at the EPA (or the DEA) about this and why I think home disposal is significantly inferior to take-back & mail-back programs.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black">Best regards,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black">Ed<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<div id="Signature">
<p><span style="color:black">Ed Gottlieb</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="color:black">Industrial Pretreatment Coordinator / 4A Senior Operator</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="color:black">Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="color:black">Chair, Tompkins County Coalition for Safe Medication Disposal</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="color:black">Member, NACWA Pretreatment Committee</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="color:black">Member, NYWEA Pretreatment/Industrial Wastewater Committee</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="color:black">525 3rd Street</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="color:black">Ithaca, NY 14850</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="color:black;background:white">(W) 607-273-8381 x4416</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;background:white">(C) 607-229-3722</span><span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black"> Knieser, Brian <<a href="mailto:knieser.brian@epa.gov">knieser.brian@epa.gov</a>><br>
<b>Sent:</b> Monday, July 6, 2026 5:24 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> Ed Gottlieb <<a href="mailto:EGottlieb@cityofithaca.org">EGottlieb@cityofithaca.org</a>><br>
<b>Subject:</b> RE: Resource guide on drug deactivation bags</span> <o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="xmsonormal">Hi Ed,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xmsonormal">Did you mean to copy me on this email? For what it’s worth, Kristin and I agree with you. Did you want to discuss this with us? Up to you.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xmsonormal">Thanks,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xmsonormal">Brian<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in">
<p class="xmsonormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> Pharmwaste <<a href="mailto:pharmwaste-bounces@lists.dep.state.fl.us">pharmwaste-bounces@lists.dep.state.fl.us</a>>
<b>On Behalf Of </b>Ed Gottlieb<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Thursday, July 2, 2026 11:20 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> Andrew Olsen <<a href="mailto:aolsen@growresolve.com">aolsen@growresolve.com</a>>;
<a href="mailto:info@ncaddwestchester.org">info@ncaddwestchester.org</a>; <a href="mailto:jdwyer@deterrasystem.com">
jdwyer@deterrasystem.com</a><br>
<b>Cc:</b> <a href="mailto:dea@public.govdelivery.com">dea@public.govdelivery.com</a>;
<a href="mailto:cfinley@nacwa.org">cfinley@nacwa.org</a>; <a href="mailto:pharmwaste@lists.dep.state.fl.us">
pharmwaste@lists.dep.state.fl.us</a><br>
<b>Subject:</b> [Pharmwaste] Resource guide on drug deactivation bags</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<p class="xmsonormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
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<b><span style="color:black">Caution:</span></b><span style="color:black"> This email originated from outside EPA, please exercise additional caution when deciding whether to open attachments or click on provided links.
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="xmsonormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="xmsonormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><strong><span style="font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif;color:red">EXTERNAL MESSAGE</span></strong><b><span style="color:black"><br>
</span></b><span style="color:black">This email originated outside of DEP. Please use caution when opening attachments, clicking links, or responding to this email.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="color:black">Andrew,</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="color:black"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="color:black">Following the link you provided to Drug Rehab USA, there seem to be connections between GrowResolve, Drug Rehab USA, Deterrasystem, and NCADD. will you please clarify what the connections are?</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="color:black"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="color:black">Everyone agrees that convenient, free, safe, and effective options for disposal of unwanted medications are an important first step in preventing opioid addiction. Towards this end, I would urge all of these organizations
to provide links to the DEA's Year-Round Drop-Off Locations - Search Utility (<a href="https://apps.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s1">https://apps.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s1</a>). When a website
uses a proprietary medication disposal location finder or links to Google Maps, the chances are that most dropoff locations are missed. This inaccurately makes it seem like local disposal options are very limited, leaving home disposal pouches as the primary
remaining option. </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="color:black"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="color:black">Sincerely,</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<div id="x_Signature">
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="color:black"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="color:black">Ed Gottlieb</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="color:black">Industrial Pretreatment Coordinator / 4A Senior Operator</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="color:black">Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="color:black">Chair, Tompkins County Coalition for Safe Medication Disposal</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="color:black">Member, NACWA Pretreatment Committee</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="color:black">Member, NYWEA Pretreatment/Industrial Wastewater Committee</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="color:black">525 3rd Street</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="color:black">Ithaca, NY 14850</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="color:black;background:white">(W) 607-273-8381 x4416</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="color:black"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="xmsonormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black"> Andrew Olsen <<a href="mailto:aolsen@growresolve.com">aolsen@growresolve.com</a>><br>
<b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, July 1, 2026 9:42 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> Ed Gottlieb <<a href="mailto:EGottlieb@cityofithaca.org">EGottlieb@cityofithaca.org</a>><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: Resource guide on drug deactivation bags</span> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<p><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">Thank you for getting back to me.<br>
<br>
I'm afraid, I'm only available through email.<br>
<br>
</span>Please let me know if that's possible.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p>-----Original Message-----<o:p></o:p></p>
<blockquote style="border:none;border-left:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 6.0pt;margin-left:4.8pt;margin-top:5.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:5.0pt">
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="color:black">Andrew,</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="color:black"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="color:black">I have a few questions. Please call me when you have a chance.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="color:black"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="color:black">Ed </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<div id="x_x_Signature">
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="color:black"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="color:black">Ed Gottlieb</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="color:black">Industrial Pretreatment Coordinator / 4A Senior Operator</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="color:black">Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="color:black">525 3rd Street </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="color:black">Ithaca, NY 14850 </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="color:black">(W) 607-273-8381 x 4416 </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="xmsonormal"><strong><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">From:</span></strong><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black"> Andrew Olsen <<a href="mailto:aolsen@growresolve.com">aolsen@growresolve.com</a>><br>
<strong><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Sent:</span></strong> Tuesday, June 30, 2026 9:43 AM<br>
<strong><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">To:</span></strong> Ed Gottlieb <<a href="mailto:EGottlieb@cityofithaca.org">EGottlieb@cityofithaca.org</a>><br>
<strong><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Subject:</span></strong> Re: Resource guide on drug deactivation bags</span>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<p>Hi Ed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>I hope all is well.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>This will be my last nudge regarding the resource page suggestion on how the community can prevent medication abuse and subsequent addiction with proper use of drug deactivation bags. No worries if it’s not the right fit for now, but if you have feedback
or anything, feel free to email us.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>I wish you continued success.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Best regards,<br>
Andrew<o:p></o:p></p>
<p> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p>-----Original Message-----<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Hi Ed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>I hope this message finds you well. A short while ago, I sent you an email regarding our resource guide on drug deactivation bags. This resource could be immensely beneficial for veterans.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>I understand inboxes can get overwhelming, so I’m bringing this back to your attention. I would love to hear your thoughts on it!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Cheers,<br>
Andrew<o:p></o:p></p>
<p> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p>-----Original Message-----<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Hi Ed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>I hope you’re doing well!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Our team really appreciates your efforts in supporting your readers and community members with facts and figures regarding drug use, rehabilitation, and overall wellness, particularly on how you disseminate valuable information through this resource page:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p><a href="http://cityofithacany.gov/677/Safe-Medication-Disposal">http://cityofithacany.gov/677/Safe-Medication-Disposal</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p>According to statistics, 50% of individuals who misused prescription painkillers got them from their friends and families. Prescription drugs are used as recreational drugs, which may lead to accidental overdose. One of the most recent and effective resources
in the battle against medication abuse and subsequent addiction is drug deactivation bags. This allows users to safely and responsibly dispose of their leftover prescription supplies.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Our team came up with a comprehensive guide on the use of drug deactivation bags to help reduce the health risks posed by expired and unused drugs.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Here’s the link for your convenience:<br>
<a href="https://drugrehabus.org/drug-deactivation/">https://drugrehabus.org/drug-deactivation/</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p>This resource covers the following:<br>
- How drug deactivation bags work?<br>
- Why you shouldn’t just flush unused and expired medications down the toilet?<br>
- How effective are drug disposal bags?<br>
- Where to get drug disposal bags?<br>
- How to find drug disposal locations near you.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>This content will guide families and community members on how to dispose of unused and expired medications properly. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you require more details or wish to discuss how this guide can benefit your community.<br>
We look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your incredible work. Thank you so much.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Warm regards,<br>
Andrew Olsen<br>
Content Advocate @ Grow Resolve<o:p></o:p></p>
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