A decision by the federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals was issued on September 30, 2014 upholding Alameda County’s Safe Drug Disposal ordinance. The lawsuit against Alameda County is similar to a lawsuit against King County; therefore, King County had agreed to extend certain implementation dates until after the Ninth Circuit decision.
Now that the Ninth Circuit decision has been issued, the extended implementation deadlines for King County Secure Medicine Return Regulations are:
Requirements of the March 20, 2014 implementation deadline, extended to 45 days after the issuance of the Ninth Circuit decision, will be due on or before November 14, 2014. This deadline is for producers to (a) identify in writing a stewardship plan operator, including contact information, and (b) notify all retail pharmacies and law enforcement agencies in King County of the opportunity to participate as a drop-off-site and the process to form an agreement with the stewardship plan. (BOH Section 11.50.040.D.1 and 2.)
Requirements of the June 20, 2014 implementation deadline, extended to 135 days after the issuance of the Ninth Circuit decision, will be due on or before February 12, 2015. This deadline is for producers to submit a proposed stewardship plan and plan review fee. (BOH Section 11.50.040.D.3 and 11.50.120.A.)
We remain available for consultation and technical assistance to help your company meet the requirements of the regulations. For information, contact Taylor Watson of the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program at [email protected] or 206-263-1880.
We will continue to provide information on the Secure Medicine Return Regulations website, including information to assist drug producers that intend to work together in the “standard” stewardship plan. Additionally, email updates are available by joining the list. We encourage you to utilize these resources.