Universal Waste Rule - Pharmaceutical Wastes

US EPA has proposed to add hazardous pharmaceutical wastes to the Universal Waste Rule in order to provide a system for disposing hazardous pharmaceutical wastes that is protective of public health and the environment. The proposed addition will make it easier for generators to collect and properly dispose of these items as hazardous wastes, resulting in a simpler and more streamlined waste management system.

The proposed rule applies to:

• pharmacies,
• hospitals,
• physicians’ offices,
• dentists’ offices,
• outpatient care centers,
• ambulatory health care services,
• residential care facilities,
• veterinary clinics, and
• other facilities that generate hazardous pharmaceutical wastes.

The proposed rule also encourages generators to dispose of non-hazardous pharmaceutical waste as universal waste. The addition of hazardous pharmaceutical waste to the Universal Waste Rule will facilitate the collection of personal medications from the public at various facilities so that they can be more properly managed.

Caltha LLP provides specialized expertise to clients nationwide in the evaluation environmental rules, developing EH&S compliance procedures, and preparing cost-effective EH&S management programs.

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