In 2016, the Snohomish Health District adopted regulations creating a secure medicine return program in Snohomish County via Ordinance 2016-001. Language was included in Health District Code Chapter 2.80. Section 2.80.181 created a void condition that states:
If a state or federal law, or combination of laws or agency rules, takes effect that establishes a Washington State or national program for the convenient collection and environmentally sound disposal of covered drugs from residents that meets or exceeds the intent of this chapter and the Snohomish Health District confirms by Board action that such program meets or exceeds the intent of this chapter, then this chapter shall become void. [Ord. 16-001. Prior code § 15.20].
In November 2020, RCW 69.48.160 took effect which allowed grandfathered county drug take-back programs to be in operation for one year after the statewide program began operation. The State’s program took effect November 20, 2020, and on November 21, 2021, the local programs officially became null and void.
RCW 69.48: Drug Take-Back Program pre-empts local regulation and meets or exceeds the intent of Health District Code Chapter 2.80. The District has removed this program from its fee schedule and has ceased operation. The void condition in code section 2.80.181 has rendered this program inoperable; however, official removal of the Health District code must occur through official ordinance.
If approved, this Ordinance will take effect five business days after adoption.