[Pharmwaste] Better Environmental Benefit

Charlotte A. Smith csmith at pharmecology.com
Fri Oct 24 11:24:19 EDT 2008


Hi Catherine,

 

 

Lynn Rubenstein, Executive Director of the Northeast Recycling Council,
did some extensive research on this a few years ago. You might check
with her at lynn at nerc.org and (802) 254-3636.  From another perspective,
as a pharmacist I am always extremely nervous when drugs are removed
from their primary container and their identity is lost. Should any
diversion occur, resulting in overdose or poisoning, it is impossible to
treat the victim without adequate information. This would also pertain
to pets, etc. And there is also the privacy issue regarding personal
information. 

 

Best regards, 

 

Charlotte A. Smith, R. Ph., M.S., HEM

President

PharmEcology Associates, LLC

12229 W. North Ave., Suite 2

Wauwatosa, WI 53226

414-292-3959

414-915-4026(cell)

csmith at pharmecology.com

Visit us at ASHP  Booth #1727

 

From: pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us
[mailto:pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us] On Behalf Of Catherine
Zimmer
Sent: Friday, October 24, 2008 9:46 AM
To: pharmwaste at lists.dep.state.fl.us
Subject: [Pharmwaste] Better Environmental Benefit

 

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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