Committee advances ordinance to require drug makers fund city take‑back program

San Francisco — The Government and Oversight Committee voted Feb. 26 to forward to the full Board of Supervisors an ordinance that would require drug manufacturers who sell products in San Francisco to fund and operate approved stewardship programs for the collection and safe disposal of unwanted medicines.

Sponsor President Breed said the proposal responds to both public‑safety and environmental concerns, pointing to a city pilot that collected about 23.5 tons (approximately 47,000 pounds) of pharmaceuticals and to poison‑control and overdose statistics that she said show a need for accessible disposal options. “This legislation will require drug manufacturers with city oversight to fund and operate full collection programs,” Breed said in her opening remarks.

The ordinance would require producers to submit stewardship plans — singly, in multi‑party coalitions or via third‑party product stewardship organizations — that meet standards set in the city code. Department of the Environment staff said plans would be reviewed on four‑year cycles and that producers must provide sufficient convenience for residents, with a minimum goal of five drop‑off sites in each supervisorial district (a citywide minimum of 55 sites) and required participation by the city’s two city‑run…