10 Steps to Develop and Implement a Pharmaceutical Waste Management Program

Step 1 begins with some action items that you can begin immediately.

Step 2 is an overview of how the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations apply to pharmaceutical waste management. (pp 13-37)

Note: Due to the length of this "Step," only an outline is presented here. All are encouraged to obtain a full copy of the regulations at the site listed below.

Understanding the Regulations

1. Defining Hazardous Waste Categories
   
   
   1. P-Listed Wastes (40 CFR Part 261.33(e))
      1. Two Necessary Conditions
      2. Empty Containers of P-Listed Wastes
      3. Dilute Concentrations of P-Listed Waste
      4. Epinephrine Syringe Interpretation Extended to Other P and U-Listed Drugs
      5. Epinephrine Salts Interpretation
      6. Nitroglycerin Exclusion
      
      
      
   2. U-Listed Wastes (40 CFR Part 261.33(f))
      1. Two Necessary Conditions
      2. Empty Containers of U-Listed Wastes
      
      
      
   3. Characteristic Hazardous Waste (40 CFR Parts 261.21-261.24)
      1. Ignitability
      2. Corrosivity
      3. Reactivity
      4. Toxicity
      5. Empty Containers of Characteristic Wastes
      
      
      
2. Grappling with Hazardous Waste Combinations
   
   
   1. Contaminated Personal Protective Equipment and Spill Materials
      1. Listed Waste
      2. Characteristic Waste
      
      
      
   2. Regulated Medical Waste (Biohazardous)
      
      
   3. Sharps
      
      
   4. Controlled Substances
      
      
3. Distinguishing Between Trace and Hazardous Chemotherapy Waste
   
   
   1. Terminology
      
      
   2. Trace Chemotherapy Waste
      
      
   3. Hazardous Chemotherapy Waste
      1. Combination Hazardous Chemotherapy and Regulated Medical Wastes
      2. Spill and Decontamination Materials
      
      
      
4. Understanding Hazardous Waste Management
   
   
   1. Generator Status
      
      
   2. Drain Disposal
      
      
   3. Incineration
      
      
5. The Impact of the Universal Waste Rule on Hazardous Pharmaceutical Waste

The universal waste regulations streamline collection requirements for certain hazardous wastes in the following categories: batteries, pesticides, mercury-containing equipment (e.g., thermostats) and lamps (e.g., fluorescent bulbs). The rule is designed to reduce hazardous waste in the municipal solid waste steam by making it easier for universal waste handlers to collect these items and send them for recycling or proper disposal.

Obtain a full copy at:
http://www.hercenter.org/hazmat/tenstepblueprint.pdf

News

69 Experimental COVID-19 Drugs, Treatments Identified
A team of researchers found sixty-nine drugs and experimental compounds that may be effective in treating COVID-19, according to The New York Times. To identify the drug candidates, researchers studied the genes of the novel coronavirus and how it infects human cells. The study was published on bioRxiv, a website for preprinted biology studies, and the researchers have submitted it to a journal for publication. Of the 69 drug candidates identified, 24 are already FDA-approved to treat other diseases such as cancer, Parkinson's disease, and hypertension. Other drug candidates on the list include haloperidol, used to treat schizophrenia, and metformin, used by patients to help manage Type 2 diabetes.

View the full list of 69 drug candidates, compounds here.

https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.22.002386v1.full.pdf

NOTICE: For your information, IJPC published an article on Specially Denatured Alcohols (SDA) in the Sep/Oct 2002 issue. The tables in the article explain the meanings of the SDA designations and their uses.

Did You Know ...

...that Will Rogers said the following?

"If you want to be successful, it's just this simple. Know what you are doing. Love what you are doing. And believe in what you are doing."

Tip of the Week

Three important words in Will's saying are "Know," "Love," and "Believe."

To know pharmacy means one is fully trained, experienced, and flexible to accommodate patients pharmaceutical needs as they arise.

To love pharmacy involves enjoyment in being a member of the profession and in serving in one's specific roles and being productive.

To believe in pharmacy relates to one's confidence and assurance in what is being done and the outcomes resulting from one's efforts.

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Looking Back

From New York town,
To Pumpkin Holler,
Still half a pound,
For half a dollar!
     Burma-Shave