[Pharmwaste] we are liable for pollution, says disposal product owner

[Ed Gottlieb]

Check out this claim from a brochure* for the Pill Catcher System:
 "As a Healthcare Professional Or simply a concerned citizen You need to be aware that you have liability in Drug Disposal that causes pollution because EPA Law & Regulations state "cradle to grave" responsibility on everyone.  You have no control over Third Party Transporters or Disposers.  You are listed forever with the EPA on manifests as a Drug Disposer.  End all this liability with: The Pill Catcher System"
The owner sent a letter in response to my questions.*  It includes information on the superior properties of bentonite clay for disposal.  It also provides information that they say shows that their competitors, who use activated carbon, are "disingenuous in their claims of safe disposal."

Regarding the DEA guidance, he says, "the DEA is only concerned with keeping drugs out of circulation, and not safe disposal." [his emphasis.]  As noted above, they are marketing to healthcare professionals, not just end users.

Though it is possible that bentonite clay is superior to activated carbon in rendering medications unrecoverable, this companies marketing makes their product a non-starter in my opinion.  I'm not going to respond to what I think are false statements in his letter and brochure.

If you are interested in following up with the owner about individuals liability, the applicability of the DEA's safe disposal rule regarding healthcare facilities, or any other matter, please proceed and let us know what you learn.  Thanks!

* To read the letter and brochure go to:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6v_EFbem1HcMFlMVUJFQ240eTg/view?usp=sharing


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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