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Journal of Science Policy & Governance | Volume 17, Issue 01 | September 30, 2020

Policy Memo: Overview of Pharmaceutical Disposal Methods: Addressed to the General Assembly of Illinois

Kavitha Chintam (1,4)*, Olivia Williams Barber (2,4)*, Suyog Padgaonkar (3,4)​
  1. Northwestern University, McCormick School of Engineering, Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Evanston, IL
  2. Northwestern University, McCormick School of Engineering, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Evanston, IL
  3. Northwestern University, Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences, Department of Chemistry, , Evanston, IL
  4. Northwestern University Science and Policy Outreach Task Force, Evanston, IL
*Authors contributed equally to this work.
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https://doi.org/10.38126/JSPG170103
Keywords: pharmaceuticals, disposal, medications, drug take-back, Illinois
Executive Summary: Drug donation programs increase medication availability and encourage proper pharmaceutical disposal. Proper disposal decreases the potential human and environmental risk posed by the presence of pharmaceutical compounds in water bodies. Furthermore, the public health hazard of drug abuse is mitigated due to the decreased availability of drugs. The preferred pharmaceutical disposal method is through drug take-back programs, in which medications are returned to local pharmacies, law enforcement, or other responsible agencies. Take-back programs can also involve medication donation, and states such as Oklahoma and Iowa have programs to fill prescriptions for people who would otherwise have financial difficulty. Because the state of Illinois currently does not have an enacted law for the donation and reuse of medication, we propose that Illinois enact clearer laws regarding pharmaceutical disposal and take-back programs.

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References

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Kavitha Chintam is a Ph.D. student in the Seitz lab in the Chemical & Biological Engineering Department at Northwestern University. She performs research in electrochemical carbon dioxide/monoxide reduction and is a passionate advocate for mitigating climate change. Kavitha believes that sound science policy is critical to implement tangible change which benefits everyone, particularly vulnerable communities.
 
Olivia Williams Barber is an environmental engineering Ph.D. student in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at Northwestern University. Her research in the Hartmann lab focuses on the anthropogenic contribution to antimicrobial resistance. Although scientific progress that is beneficial to society often originates in research and labs, Olivia sees the implementation and lasting changes to our lives as a product of policy.
 
Suyog Padgaonkar is a graduate student pursuing his Ph.D. in chemistry at Northwestern University. His research focuses on how the properties of nanomaterials change in response to light and his interest in science policy stems from his desire to combat misinformation.
 
Acknowledgements
We would like to acknowledge the entire Legislative Outreach Team in SPOT, as well as the broader organization, for their support and continued dedication to bring thorough science to policymakers and the public. This memo was inspired by a specific request from our one-pager program for Illinois legislators. We thank everyone, especially Jamie Neely and Chamille Lescott, who has aided us in making these connections and being a part of the conversation.
DISCLAIMER: The findings and conclusions published herein are solely attributed to the author and not necessarily endorsed or adopted by the Journal of Science Policy and Governance. Articles are distributed in compliance with copyright and trademark agreements.

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