The San Francisco Board of Supervisors Public Safety Committee voted on Thursday to move the Safe Drug Disposal Information Ordinance to the full Board of Supervisors for a final vote. The measure was passed to the Board with Supervisors Mirkarimi, the author, and Campos voting in favor. A representative of Mayor Ed Lee testified in support of the ordinance.
The ordinance requires pharmacies, including those in located in grocery stores, to post information regarding safe and legal disposal of unused pharmaceuticals. This mandated posting is connected to an effort by Mirkarimi to require pharmacies to take back pharmaceuticals on-site. A voluntary pilot project is beginning in the next few months that the city hopes to become permanent.
CGA requested the posting be done voluntarily to better mesh with the pilot project. The committee appreciated the suggestion of a voluntary posting by grocery stores, but felt a mandate would ensure participation and consistency.
CGA will continue to work with the Board and DOE on this ordinance. The Board of Supervisors is likely to bring the ordinance up for a vote within the next few weeks.