ASDWA Signs on to Letter Asking FDA to Change Pharmaceutical Flushing Policy

On January 26^th, ASDWA signed on to the Product Stewardship Institute’s (PSI) letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Acting Commissioner, urging the FDA “to work with the EPA, the Drug Enforcement Agency, and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy to:  develop clear and consistent guidance to consumers on safe disposal of leftover household medications; end its recommendation that certain medications be disposed by flushing; and clarify that secure medicine take-back programs provide the best disposal method for leftover household medications.”  The letter was signed by over 100 environmental and health organizations (including ASDWA and other national water associations), agencies, and a few state legislators to protect water quality from pharmaceutical pollution.  In addition, PSI has developed a subsequent letter (not signed by ASDWA) to Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY),  in support of the Federal Pharmaceutical Stewardship Act to establish producer financed and managed collection programs and provide proper disposal options for unwanted and expired pharmaceuticals. Note, the Act was originally introduced on September 15, 2011, but was not enacted.