[Pharmwaste] Proposal to add pharmaceuticals to Universal Waste Rule--Press release issued today

[Thompson.Virginia at epamail.epa.gov]

This press release, announcing the proposal to add pharm waste to the
universal waste rule under RCRA, was issued today.  Note that the
Federal Register notice is expected in the next couple of weeks.  Public
comment will be accepted for 60 days following publication in the
Federal Register.

Virginia Thompson
Sustainable Healthcare Sector Coordinator
Office of Environmental Innovation (3EA40)
US Environmental Protection Agency Region 3
1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA  19103
Voice:  (215) 814-5755; Fax (215) 814-2783
thompson.virginia at epa.gov

                News for Release:  Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008

                U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

   EPA Seeks Public Comment on Proposal to Add Hazardous Pharmaceutical
                       Waste to Universal Waste Rule

   Contact: Latisha Petteway, (202) 564-4355 / petteway.latisha at epa.gov

   (Washington, D.C. – Nov. 20, 2008) To help provide a streamlined
   system for disposing hazardous pharmaceutical waste that is
   protective of public health and the environment, the U.S.
   Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to add hazardous
   pharmaceutical waste to the Universal Waste Rule.  The proposed rule
   encourages generators to dispose of pharmaceutical waste that is
   classified as non-hazardous under the Resource Conservation and
   Recovery Act as universal waste. The proposal will also facilitate
   the collection of personal medications that are classified as
   household hazardous waste so they can be more properly managed.
   The 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 waste.  It does not apply to pharmaceutical
   manufacturing or production facilities.

   Currently the federal Universal Waste Rule includes batteries,
   pesticides, mercury-containing equipment, and lamps. Universal wastes
   typically are generated in a wide variety of settings including
   industrial settings and households, by many sectors of society, and
   may be present in significant volumes in non-hazardous waste
   management systems.

   Comments will be accepted for 60 days following publication in the
   Federal Register, which is expected within two weeks.

   Information on the proposed rule:
   http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/wastetypes/universal/pharm.htm