Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Drug Policy Environment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senator proposes $500,000 to expand drug take-back bins statewide
Summary
Senate Bill 231 would encourage pharmacies to install free drug disposal bins and the sponsor said the Statewide Substance Abuse Response Working Group recommends a $500,000 allocation from the Fund for Resilient Nevada to expand and maintain collection boxes.
Senate Bill 231, presented by Senator Jeff Stone, would encourage (but not mandate) retail pharmacies to install and advertise secure, no-cost drug disposal bins for the public to discard unused or expired prescription medications. The sponsor said the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy identified a limited number of existing bins (for example: Las Vegas 40, North Las Vegas 3, Henderson 10, Reno-Sparks 7, Elko 4) and that greater convenience in bin placement would reduce household disposal in trash or sewer systems and reduce diversion.
"Making it more convenient for citizens to dispose of their unused or expired pharmaceuticals will minimize drug diversion and inappropriate disposal," Stone said. The sponsor said the Statewide Substance Abuse Response Working Group recommended a $500,000 allocation from the Fund for Resilient Nevada to establish and maintain additional bins statewide and made clear the program would be voluntary for pharmacies and make the service free to users.
Stericycle, a company that destroys medical and pharmaceutical waste, testified in support. County sheriffs and other officials earlier in the session have run periodic take-back days; committee members noted those events can be inconvenient for residents, and having pharmacy-based bins would provide a permanent, accessible alternative.
The hearing closed after support testimony and no opposition was offered; the sponsor and supporters noted that secure pharmacy locations address convenience and access for rural and urban residents alike.
