California Public Resources Code Section 47120

(a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following: (1) The United States Geological Survey conducted a study in 2002 sampling 139 streams across 30 states and found that 80 percent had measurable concentrations of prescription and nonprescription drugs, steroids, and reproductive hormones. (2) Exposure, even to low levels of drugs, has been shown to have negative effects on fish and other aquatic species and may have negative effects on human health. (3) In order to reduce the likelihood of improper disposal of drugs, it is the purpose of this article to establish a program through which the public may return and ensure the safe and environmentally sound disposal of drugs and may do so in a way that is convenient for consumers. (b) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this article: (1) To encourage a cooperative relationship between the board and manufacturers, retailers, and local, state, and federal government agencies in the board`s development of model programs to devise a safe, efficient, convenient, cost-effective, sustainable, and environmentally sound solution for the disposal of drugs. (2) For the programs and systems developed in other local, state, and national jurisdictions to be used as models for the development of pilot programs in California, including, but not limited to, the efforts in Los Angeles, Marin, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties, Oregon, Maine, North Carolina, Washington State, British Columbia, and Australia. (3) To develop a system that recognizes the business practices of manufacturers and retailers and other dispensers and is consistent with and complements their drug management programs.