Sen. Carney bill to establish a stronger drug take-back program receives bipartisan support

AUGUSTA — The Legislature’s Committee on Environment and Natural Resources approved a bill from Sen. Anne Carney, D-Cape Elizabeth, to require drug manufacturers to operate drug take-back programs. The bill received bipartisan support, with eight committee members in favor, two in favor as amended, and two opposed.

“We can keep unwanted drugs from contributing to substance use disorder and from contaminating our water by adopting this bill,” said Sen. Carney. “Six states and many municipalities have already enacted similar programs for unwanted drugs. These programs have proven to be a safe, effective and inexpensive way to address public health and environmental harms caused by improper disposal of unwanted or unused drugs. I’m glad the committee has supported such a valuable bill.”

LD 8, “An Act to Support Collection and Proper Disposal of Unwanted Drugs,” mandates that specific drug manufacturers work together to create a drug take-back program that is more frequent 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 are currently 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.

LD 8 will now go before the full Senate and House for additional votes.

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