[Pharmwaste] What to restrict from drop-boxes?

[Ed Gottlieb]

Hi pharmwaste listserv,
 
All drop-box programs list items that are accepted and items that aren't.  
 
Sharps, bio-hazardous waste, chemotherapy medications, and thermometers are almost always listed as not accepted.  Some programs specifically restrict less (or more!) obvious items such as:  trash, mail, and guns.
I think we can all agree there are good reasons for not accepting any of these items.  
 
What about liquids, ointments, inhalers, and aerosol cans?  I regularly see these on "not accepted" lists.  
 
Most boxes have internal, removable totes that should be lined with a plastic bag.  Liquid spills should not be a problem from the clean-up perspective.  I've not seen any evidence that spilled liquids can cause dangerous chemical reactions to occur, an explanation I was given for one programs ban.  Are there documented problems caused by a spill of hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or any other liquid medication?  Can explosive conditions develop?  Will active ingredients volatilize and contaminate the air if spilled alcohol dissolves medication it comes in contact with?  
 
Do inhalers and other aerosol cans actually cause problems in a drop-box or at the incinerator?  
 
I believe that most programs copy their "not accepted" list from an existing program.  Maybe some of these restricted items could be safely accepted?  Or, is it wiser to keep restricting them to avoid a possible hazard, however unlikely?
  
With luck, pharmacies will soon be launching their own programs, greatly expanding the accessability of take-back programs.  Can we offer them guidance on this issue?  Your thoughts are appreciated.
 
Ed
 

Ed Gottlieb
Chair, Coalition for Safe Medication Disposal 
Industrial Pretreatment Coordinator 
Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility
525 3rd Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 273-8381
fax: (607) 273-8433
 
 
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