Handling Non-Hazardous Pharmaceutical Waste
Non-hazardous pharmaceutical waste has a bit of a misleading title.
Considering that even at extremely low levels of pharmaceutical waste pollution, aquatic life has shown harm - It’s important that you don’t have the wrong idea about non-hazardous pharmaceutical waste.
What is Non-Hazardous Pharmaceutical Waste
Non-hazardous pharmaceutical waste is any unused prescription or over the counter drug that is not hazardous as defined by Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), only 5-10% of pharmaceutical waste is hazardous - meaning that 90% or more of all pharmaceutical waste is non-hazardous.
Classifying Pharmaceutical Waste
In order to classify a pharmaceutical waste as hazardous or non-hazardous, you must follow RCRA guidelines.
Hazardous pharmaceuticals contain a substance that is P-listed or U-listed, it is unused, and the substance is the sole active ingredient in the compound. (40 CFR 261.33)
Essentially this means it is either ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic.
Disposing of Non-Hazardous Pharmaceutical Waste
Assuming you have properly classified your pharmaceutical waste as non-RCRA, it should be placed into a non-hazardous pharmaceutical waste container.
This is a white container with a blue lid that says “INCINERATION ONLY” on the label.
Many healthcare facilities utilize a sequestration device that prevents unauthorized access to the pharmaceuticals.
Similar to other medical wastes, it should be secured, unaccessible, and properly labeled.
Disposing of non-hazardous pharmaceuticals appropriately is essential. Since pharmaceutical waste involves controlled substances, the U.S. The Drug Enforcement Administration has rules you must follow.
