[Pharmwaste] Better Environmental Benefit

[Catherine Zimmer]

Hi all,
Has anyone done, or does anyone know of any research related to the 
environmental benefits or life-cycle of recycling used prescription 
bottles vs. incineration of them?  Here are the issues:

   1. Recycling of the bottles, while reclaiming the polypropylene
      plastic, is likely down-cycling and the pharmaceutical residue in
      the bottles is likely sent to wastewater.
   2. Incineration of the bottles, while has some energy benefit, has
      ash and air emission concerns.

Thanks for your help! 

-- 
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, increase energy efficiency, reduce costs, and prevent pollution

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