NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Pharmaceutical Contaminants DEC Actions to Reduce Exposure Presentation to the Watershed Science and Technical Conference September 16, 2008 Resa A. Dimino Special Assistant Commissioner’s Policy Office

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Proper Disposal of Pharmaceuticals: DEC Actions to Date Internal Work Group on Pharmaceuticals Roundtable on Managing Unused Pharmaceuticals in NYS Inter-Agency Work Group on Managing Pharmaceuticals in Hospitals & Institutions Don’t Flush Your Drugs education campaign

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Roundtable on Managing Unused Pharmaceuticals in NYS May 15, 2008 Two panel discussions: –Managing pharmaceuticals generated by households –Managing pharmaceuticals generated by hospitals and institutions

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Roundtable on Managing Unused Pharmaceuticals in NYS Key Messages: Households –Pilot programs are proving the feasibility of different models of residential pharmaceuticals collection –Management of controlled substances creates a significant barrier to efficient, cost-effective programs

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Roundtable on Managing Unused Pharmaceuticals in NYS Key Messages: Hospitals & Institutions –Flushing is widespread and common practice –Pharmaceutical waste volume varies by type of institution –BMPs have been developed and tested; but are complicated and expensive RCRA Hazardous & Controlled Substance Issues

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Proper Disposal of Unused Pharmaceuticals—Next Steps Develop Inter-Agency Work Group on Institutional Pharmaceutical Waste Launch an Education Program Investigate Green Chemistry Options Research Presence and Impact in the Environment

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Inter-Agency Work Group on Pharmaceutical Disposal in Institutions Objective: Develop new guidance on pharmaceuticals disposal in institutions Eliminate regulatory barriers to proper disposal Work with regulated community to ensure guidance is workable Educate regulated community on new protocols

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Education Campaign Launched “Don’t Flush Your Drugs” campaign in August, 2008 Compiled information on issues Issued Guidance to households on proper drug disposal techniques Examine/develop other consumer education options Next Stage: Educate health care professionals

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Moving Forward Evaluating policy options Participating in Product Stewardship Institute’s Dialogue on Pharmaceutical Wastes Encouraging collection events –Working group in Regions 7&8 Continue Research w/DOH and USGS

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Contact Resa Dimino (518)