The EPA announced on Thursday it is proposing to add hazardous pharmaceutical waste to the Universal Waste Rule. The proposed rule encourages generators to dispose of pharmaceutical waste that is classified as non-hazardous under RCRA as universal waste. The proposal will also facilitate the collection of personal medications that are classified as household hazardous waste so they can be managed properly.

A report by the Associated Press earlier this year touched off a huge swell of national interest in the effects of trace levels of pharmaceuticals in water. Industry experts have been speculating on how this may translate into new regulation. The EPA in August identified pharmaceutical wastes from hospitals and medical care centers as its first priority.

The proposed rule applies to pharmacies, hospitals, physicians' offices, dentists' offices, outpatient care centers, ambulatory health care services, residential care facilities, and veterinary clinics, as well as other facilities that generate hazardous pharmaceutical waste. It does not apply to pharmaceutical manufacturing or production facilities.

The agency is accepting comments for 60 days following publication in the Federal Register, which is expected within two weeks.

Links

• Information on the proposed rule