Gov. Mills signs into law Sen. Carney bill to establish a stronger drug take-back program

AUGUSTA — On Tuesday, Gov. Janet mills signed a bill from Sen. Anne Carney, D-Cape Elizabeth, into law. The new law, LD 8, “An Act to Support Collection and Proper Disposal of Unwanted Drugs,” will increase access to drug take-back programs.

“Passage of LD 8 greatly improves Maine’s ability to prevent improper disposal of unwanted drugs,” said Sen. Carney. “The safe, convenient new program for disposal of unwanted drugs at the pharmacy will keep unwanted drugs from contributing to substance use disorder and from contaminating our water supply. Thank you, Gov. Mills, for supporting this important public health and environmental protection legislation.”

LD 8 mandates that specific drug manufacturers work together to create a drug take-back program that is more accessible and reliable than drug take-back programs currently in use. Its purpose is to protect against the inappropriate use of drugs, especially by minors, and to account for the environmental concerns based on the way drugs currently are disposed of in Maine. This bill originally was introduced in the 129th Legislature by then-Sen. Geoff Gratwick, D-Bangor. LD 8 is an updated version of the previous bill, reflecting extensive work with many stakeholders.

The law will go into effect 90 days after the legislature adjourns sine die.

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