xvEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
November 2008
EPA530-F-08-028
www.epa.gov/epawaste
EPA proposes streamlined
disposal  of hazardous
pharmaceutical wastes
                EPA is proposing to add hazardous pharmaceutical wastes to the Universal
             Waste Rule. Managing hazardous pharmaceutical wastes as universal wastes provides
             a streamlined system that is fully protective of public health and the environment.
             generate is safely managed.

         Action

             This is a proposed addition of hazardous pharmaceutical wastes to the Universal
         Waste Rule.  The addition will make it easier for generators to collect and properly
         dispose of hazardous pharmaceutical wastes as hazardous wastes, resulting in a
         simpler and more streamlined waste management system. It will also encourage
         generators to dispose of non-hazardous pharmaceutical waste as universal waste,
         thereby removing this unregulated waste from municipal solid waste management
         systems. Finally, the addition of hazardous pharmaceutical waste to the universal
         waste rule will facilitate the collection of personal medications from the public.
             This 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 wastes.
             The federal Universal Waste Rule currently includes batteries, pesticides,
         mercury-containing equipment, and lamps.
             Comments will be accepted for 60 days following publication in the Federal
         Register, which is expected within two weeks.
         For More Information

            For more information on the proposed Amendment to the Universal Waste Rule:
         Addition of Pharmaceuticals, please visit:
            http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/wastetypes/universal/pharm.htm

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