[Pharmwaste] RE: Private Sector Medicine Disposal Via Mail - FL

[Price, John L. "Jack"]

Brandon: See answers for FL below.

John L. (Jack) Price
Environmental Manager
Waste Reduction MS 4555
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
2600 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL  32399-2400
Phone:850.245.8751
Fax: 850.245.8811
john.l.price at dep.state.fl.us<mailto:john.l.price at dep.state.fl.us>
www.dep.state.fl.us/waste<http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste>
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From: pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us [mailto:pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us] On Behalf Of Kernen, Brandon
Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2011 9:31 AM
To: pharmwaste at lists.dep.state.fl.us
Subject: [Pharmwaste] Private Sector Medicine Disposal Via Mail

Most of you are probably aware of the envelopes for medicine disposal that are being sold by a major drug store chain.  The envelop can be purchased for $2.99,  filled with non-controlled prescription and OTC medicine and less than 4 oz of liquids and then mailed to a company for disposal.  This activity obviously needs to comply with the requirements of the Postal Service and Federal Laws.

My question is this - in your state, does your state laws directly or indirectly address this type of activity?  Are any up-front approvals required before these envelops are sold? A: No to both questions as far as I am aware.  The FL Department of Health also has regulatory authority in this area. See http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/pharmacy/index.html. I do not have a specific contact at the Board of Pharmacy.

If the envelopes specify that controlled medications are not allowed, and the envelops that are filled with prescription medicine go by mail to another state, do your state hazardous waste regulations or prescription drug regulations apply? A: Our state regulations govern management of such wastes in state. As far as I know, we do not have the authority to regulate the management of wastes in other states.

Are you aware of any states that are not allowing these envelopes to be sold in their state?  If so, why? A: No.

Thank you for your help


Brandon Kernen, PG - Supervisor, Hydrology and Conservation Program
Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau  Phone: 603 271 0660/Fax: 603 271 0656
http://des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/water/dwgb/dwspp/index.htm & http://nh.gov/medsafety

*   Save the Date:  May 10, 2011 - Annual Drinking Water Source Protection Workshop &

*   Northeast Science Forum - Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products and the Environment (April 27-29, 2011)<http://www.neiwpcc.org/ppcpconference/>

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