S.F. Supervisors Vote To Expand Rx Drug Disposal Program; Pharmaceutical Firms Push Back

Earlier this week, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted to expand the city's prescription drug disposal program. The program aims to keep unused drugs from contaminating waterways or falling into the hands of children or individuals who misuse drugs. Under the expansion, drugmakers would be required to cover the cost of disposing unused and unwanted medications, as opposed to taxpayers. However, drug companies say that the plan treats the pharmaceutical industry differently than other businesses -- such as paint and battery makers -- whose products also fall under special collection programs.

• "S.F. Supes Weigh Expanding Safe Drug Disposal Program" (Green, San Francisco Chronicle, 3/9).
• "Pill Makers Say S.F. Take-Back Ordinance is Drug Deal Gone Bad" (Leuty, "BiotechSF," San Francisco Business Times, 3/10).