Page last updated on July 2, 2024 at 4:05 pm
NEW PHARMACEUTICAL RULE- EFFECTIVE AUGUST 21, 2019
On February 22, 2019, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a final Rule that prohibits the discharge of any hazardous waste pharmaceutical or Drug Enforcement Agency controlled substance to the sanitary sewer (e.g., no disposal down the drain and no flushing). This regulation applies to all healthcare related facilities, as defined below.
Hazardous Waste Pharmaceutical means a pharmaceutical that is a solid waste (includes liquids), as defined in 40 CFR Section 261.2 and exhibits one or more characteristics identified in part 261 subpart C (characteristics of ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, and toxicity) or is a listed hazardous waste in part 261 subpart D.
In accordance with Chapter 10.12- Prohibited Wastewater Discharges of the Bloomington Municipal Code, the following notification is to inform your business of its obligations under Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulation Part 266, Standards for the Management of Specific Hazardous Wastes:
- As of August 21, 2019, no healthcare facility shall discharge any of these prohibited pharmaceuticals to the Bloomington sewer system. Discharge of these wastes are a violation of the City Wastewater Pretreatment Program Regulations found at Chapter 10.12.020 of the City Code.
Note: If any commercial, government or industry discharges a hazardous waste to the City sewer system they must report such discharges as specified in Chapter 10.12.030- Emergency condition notification of the City Code.
If you are a pharmacy, federal regulations now allow you to collect controlled substances if you register with the DEA and are able to meet certain security requirements. More information on this may be found here: https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/index.html
For more information about the Rule and on the Management Standards for Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals go to: www.epa.gov/hwgenerators/final-rule-management-standards-hazardous-waste-pharmaceuticals-and-amendment-p075
What is Medical Waste?
Medical waste is the waste generated by health care facilities that includes items such as sharps, pharmaceutical, and surgical waste that may be contaminated by blood, body fluids or other infectious materials. Medical waste should be disposed of properly following all federal, state, and local regulations.
Some examples of health care facilities are:
- Blood Banks
- Dental Facilities
- Diagnostic Laboratories
- Emergency/Urgent Care Facilities
- Health Care Clinics
- Home Health Care
- Hospice Facilities
- Hospitals
- Medical Research Labs and Facilities
- Mortuaries and Funeral Homes
- Optometry Facilities
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Pharmacies
- Research Laboratories
- Retirement Centers
- Surgery Centers
- Veterinarian Facilities including Animal Hospitals
Why is Improper Disposal a Problem?
Medical waste may contain infectious disease or microorganism that, if not disposed of properly, can be dangerous to patients, facility employees, the City of Bloomington Utilities employees, the general public, and our environment.
Some of the risks include:
- Radiation burns
- Poisoning
- Injury caused by sharp sticks
- Transfer of harmful diseases via touch, sharp sticks, air travel, or water ways
- Pollution to the environment, such as water systems
Resources:
Bloomington Municipal Code: https://library.municode.com/in/bloomington/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT10WA
CBU Rules Regulations and Standards of Service
Environmental Protection Agency: https://www.epa.gov/rcra/medical-waste
Indiana Department of Environmental Management: https://www.in.gov/idem/landquality/2344.htm
Indiana State Department of Health: https://www.in.gov/isdh/