[Sqg-program] RE: HOW TO DISPOSE OF UNWANTED MEDICATIONS IN FLORIDA CLARIFICATION

[Perrigan, Glen]

Some clarification on the disposal of unwanted medications email that went
out on the Florida SQG and HHW listserv on 11/16/06:

 

*	This guidance is intended for the public and NOT businesses that
generate waste medication. There are separate regulations for business
dealing with that (i.e. from RCRA, DEA, etc.). Medical related businesses
such as doctor's offices, pharmacies, hospitals, vets that may prescribe
medications can pass out this brochure to the general public. So, when doing
a site visit to one of these facilities ask that this BMP be given to their
patients or clients.

 

*	The question has come up that if you dispose of the meds in a
landfill won't it just end up in the leachate, which is collected and sent to
a wastewater treatment plant? Doesn't this defeat the goal of the BMP?

 

The question is on point and one that DEP has wrestled with for over a year
in developing this policy. A short answer is that the science on the impacts
of these micro constituents or contaminants on humans and other species is
inconclusive and evolving.  As you will see on our soon to be issued fact
sheet on medication disposal hierarchy for solid waste managers, landfilling
is not the best alternative but it is better than recommending flushing or
drain disposal which is now typical.  At this point, the science-based
justification for more aggressive regulation, e.g., removal standards for
waste water treatment plants, is not there in the judgment of DEP senior
management.  DEP will continue to monitor the evolving science and adjust
regulatory policy as warranted.

 

DEP is developing a web site which will include a summary of the science to
date as well as the BMPs for citizens, the disposal hierarchy BMPs solid
waste managers that are collecting medications and a Q and A fact sheet on
micro constituents in water. The web site is expected to be on line within a
couple of weeks. 

  

I hope this helps clarify any confusion with regard to this BMP. 

 

Glen Perrigan
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Hazardous Waste Management Section
2600 Blair Stone Road  MS-4555
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400
850-245-8749 Fax:  850-412-0528
E-mail: glen.perrigan at dep.state.fl.us  Website: www.dep.state.fl.us/waste

 

Please Note:  Florida has a very broad public records law.  Most written
communications to or from state officials regarding state business are public
records available to the public and media upon request.  Your e-mail is
communications and may therefore be subject to public disclosure.

 

  _____  

From: Perrigan, Glen 
Sent: Thursday, November 16, 2006 2:31 PM
To: 'SQG Program (Sqg-program at lists.dep.state.fl.us)';
'flhhw at lists.dep.state.fl.us'
Cc: Winston, Kathy; Emery, Charles; Burson, Lu; Dregne, James; Valin, Debby;
Valade, Vicky; Byer, James; Clarke, Raoul; Price, John L.
Subject: HOW TO DISPOSE OF UNWANTED MEDICATIONS IN FLORIDA 

 

Expired or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications from
households should never be disposed of by flushing them down the toilet or a
drain.  Although this method of disposal prevents accidental ingestion, it
can cause contamination to Florida's aquatic environment because wastewater
treatment systems are not designed to remove many of these medications.  A
one page BMP of recommended ways to dispose of unwanted prescriptions and
medications is attached for you to download, print and distribute to the
general public and medical related businesses that you inspect. Thanks.

 

Glen Perrigan
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Hazardous Waste Management Section
2600 Blair Stone Road  MS-4555
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400
850-245-8749 Fax:  850-412-0528
E-mail: glen.perrigan at dep.state.fl.us  Website: www.dep.state.fl.us/waste

 

Please Note:  Florida has a very broad public records law.  Most written
communications to or from state officials regarding state business are public
records available to the public and media upon request.  Your e-mail is
communications and may therefore be subject to public disclosure.

 

 

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