[Pharmwaste] Pharmwaste Digest, Vol. 6, Issue 3 (RE: Non-incinerationtechniques fro treatingRx expired products)

[Volkman, Jennifer]

I think we need to push EPR especially for this waste stream.  There is
one program in MN that is doing some unadvertised collection mainly
because of their direct administrative connection with a WWTP.  I agree
that staff time is a significant part of collecting this waste stream
and MN programs are at their limit on available labor.  I think we need
to advocate EPR for any "new" HHW waste stream, as well as those we're
already dealing with.

On the other hand, there have been successful HHW based collections and
if anyone can figure out an efficient way to do this through HHW
collection, Bill can!

-----Original Message-----
From: pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us
[mailto:pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us] On Behalf Of
Rob.Darcy at deh.sccgov.org
Sent: Monday, April 17, 2006 3:00 PM

Sorry, I don't see such a simple solution.  I have a rather basic
question. Who is paying for this?  Who handles the controlled
substances?  HHW labor is usually temp labor and we've already had an
attempt at stealing drugs as it came in.  HHW programs across the nation
are becoming the default collection mechanism for every waste stream
that is undesirable in other
agencies' processes.    HHW labor represents 60-65% of our budget,
disposal
is cheap.   For those HHW programs supported by solid waste tipping
fees,
are the waste water treatment plants contributing to HHW budgets?
Nationwide, HHW programs are inconvenient because of operating hours and
serve a fraction of households in any given jurisdiction.  I don't call
that very functional.  In addition, rural areas have an even more
difficult time providing service.  Instead of defaulting to HHW,
exponentially increase available disposal opportunities by requiring
pharmacies, clinics etc. to take-back unwanted prescriptions and sharps
as well.  Think about Extended Producer Responsibility.  Shouldn't
industries that profit from the sale contribute to the end of life
management and relieve local government of the burden?


Rob D'Arcy, Hazardous Materials Program Manager
Hazardous Waste Recycling and Disposal Program
Department of Environmental Health
County of Santa Clara
1555 Berger Dr Suite 300
San Jose, CA 95112
Direct line:(408) 918-1967
Appointment line (408) 299-7300
Fax line: (408) 280-6479

                                                         
   Sent by:   Catherine Zimmer  zimme053 at umn.edu

          
Not to say I don't support pharm collections.  But, I understand our HHW
collection staff are concerned about safety and security associated with
collecting esp, controlled substances.  I know of at least one
pharmacist who was held up by a  shaking junkie with a gun.

Catherine Zimmer
Health Care Specialist

Minnesota Technical Assistance Program
University of Minnesota
612/624-4635, 800/247-0015
http://www.mntap.umn.edu

Helping Minnesota businesses maximize resource efficiency, prevent
pollution and reduce costs.

Bill Lewry wrote:
>
> To All:
>
> The interest seems high, the solution is appearing simple under the 
> existing framework if municipalities and states should so choose.
>
> Return it through HHW's (household hazardous waste Facilities.
>
> How: ??
>
> Relatively simply:
>
>     * Affiliate HHW facilities with law enforcement agencies, either
>       at local, county, state or federal level. (considering what they
>       handle - they should be as matter of course??)
>     * Have them contract with a DEA permitted incinerator, or...
>     * By default, mixing with drum labelled D001 - flammable liquid,
>       NOS - consider the item destroyed in the blending process. It
>       could then be used as a fuel. DEA has the latitude to make this
>       determination should it so choose, as would local states or
courts.
>
>
> Problem solved. *To not use the simple, readily available and 
> functional would seem to create additional costs and issues for the 
> public at large and call into question the reasoning of those creating

> yet another burdensome hoop for citizens at large.* (pharmacies could 
> even collect and a milk run be set up whereby the pharmacies could pay

> a nominal fee (part of the cost of doing business) for disposal 
> services.
>
> Inactive hide details for "Stevan Gressitt" 
> <gressitt at uninets.net>"Stevan Gressitt" <gressitt at uninets.net>
>
>
>