A California bill that would have created the nation’s first statewide prescription drug take-back system has been put on the shelf after its author withdrew the proposed legislation.
It would have required drug makers to create and pay for a statewide drug disposal system and cost an estimated $6 million annually.
Supporters argued more than half of all prescription drugs are thrown in the garbage, flushed down the toilet or left in medicine cabinets. They also say leftover drugs often fall into the wrong hands.
But the pharmaceutical industry said collecting large amounts of medications at various sites would have created additional problems.
The author of the bill decided to withdraw it for this year.
Meanwhile, all sheriff’s stations in San Diego and Los Angeles counties have prescription drug collection boxes.
Alameda County has created the nation’s first mandatory drug take-back program. Drug makers are required to pay for it.
