[Pharmwaste] Question regharding incinerators

[rachel golden]

I have a question regarding the incineration of unused pharmaceuticals.  
I am relatively new to the list, so forgive me if this has been 
discussed before.  I believe that unused drugs in North Carolina sent 
through a reverse distributor end up being incinerated at a medical 
waste facility.  The point was recently made that pharmaceuticals are 
considered hazardous waste, not medical waste, and that the incineration 
process safe for medical waste is not necessarily safe for drugs.  Does 
anybody have any information on this subject from anywhere in the U.S.?  
Specifically, what are the differences between incinerators built to 
handle medical waste versus hazardous waste?  Are drugs considered to be 
medical waste or hazardous waste? 
I appreciate the help!
Rachel
-- 
Rachel Golden
Adult Environmental Education Program Manager
Office of Environmental Education
NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources
1609 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1609
919-733-0711 (phone) 919-733-1616 (fax)
rachel.golden at ncmail.net
www.eenorthcarolina.org <http://www.eenorthcarolina.org>

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