[Pharmwaste] Disposal of Medicine in Antique Bottles

Mon Oct 10 17:58:33 EDT 2011

I just wanted to add that there wouldn’t be any reason to keep the liquids or whatever is left in the bottles. Chemicals become unstable over time. And I did inspect a couple of University chemistry labs that did no training or certification and were not real  savvy on proper assessment for disposal. They just put most everything “under the hood”. On the other hand, we also have the U of Minnesota’s chemical safety day program that will go around to campuses, evaluate chemical supplies and properly manage chemicals for redistribution or disposal. They do it at schools at every level, for a fee, in MN. Maybe there is a similar program. If not, I’d go the route of the HW disposal contractor.

From: pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us [mailto:pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us] On Behalf Of Matthew C. Mireles
Sent: Monday, October 10, 2011 4:17 PM
To: Tiemeier,Amy; pharmwaste at lists.dep.state.fl.us
Subject: Re: [Pharmwaste] Disposal of Medicine in Antique Bottles

Amy,

All universities have environmental and safety office with trained and certified technicians to handle chemical, radioactive and unknown environmental risk materials.  They have proper procedures to remove the bottles and dispose of them properly.  My guess is that those bottles may contain acetone, ether and possibly mercury.  Do not allow anyone to handle the bottles except those on the campus, who are trained.

Matthew Mireles

-----Original Message-----
From: "Tiemeier, Amy"
Sent: Oct 10, 2011 3:43 PM
To: "pharmwaste at lists.dep.state.fl.us"
Subject: [Pharmwaste] Disposal of Medicine in Antique Bottles

List Serve Members,

I have been contacted by a librarian from a university medical library regarding some antique bottles that they have. The bottles and prescription vials that they have are from the early 1900s and have some leftover medication in them. She was inquiring how they should dispose of the contents and whether or not those substances would need to be kept for any future use. If anyone has any input or experience with this, please let me know.

Thanks!
Amy

Amy Tiemeier, Pharm.D., BCPS
Associate Director of Experiential Education
Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice

[cid:image001.jpg at 01CC8763.6905ED90]
4588 Parkview Place, St. Louis, MO 63110-1088
TEL: 314.446.8554 FAX: 314.446.8386

www.stlcop.edu<http://www.stlcop.edu/>

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