(October 21, 2020) – The Missouri Product Stewardship Council held a Virtual Pharmaceuticals Stewardship Stakeholders Meeting on October 14 and 15 to discuss how to implement and encourage pharmaceutical take-back programs in the state.

The first day of the meeting featured presentations on why stewardship of unused pharmaceuticals is important to prevent illicit use, accidental poisonings, and environmental problems, as well information on how drug take-back programs are operated both within Missouri and in other states. The second day of the meeting was facilitated discussion, led by Product Stewardship Institute staff, to determine next steps for pharmaceutical stewardship in Missouri, including development of a uniform message on safe pharmaceutical disposal. 

NACWA would like to thank the Missouri Product Stewardship Council for the opportunity to participate in this discussion. Cynthia Finley, NACWA’s Director, Regulatory Affairs, gave a presentation during the first day of the meeting about the potential impacts of flushed pharmaceuticals on the environment and water resource recovery by clean water agencies, and the efforts of the Association and its members to promote pharmaceutical take-back programs and the Toilets Are Not Trashcans message.