40 CFR and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

September 6, 2023 | Ph armaceutical Waste Disposal

Over the past couple of decades, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been raising awareness about the presence of pharmaceuticals in our drinking water and the need for proper disposal. Pharmacies and hospitals often have a vast inventory of pharmaceutical materials, and without proper drug disposal, these drugs can enter the waste stream. However, understanding and complying with regulations regarding pharmaceutical waste disposal has been a challenge for many healthcare facilities.

The EPA’s 40 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) have been instrumental in regulating the handling of hazardous pharmaceutical waste and simplifying the requirements for healthcare facilities. In the past, pharmaceuticals were often disposed of by flushing them down the drain, but the new regulations grant the EPA full authority to control hazardous pharmaceutical waste from start to finish. These rulings aim to eliminate confusion and provide clear guidelines for the handling, storage, disposal, and record-keeping of pharmaceutical waste.

The recent rulings have a particular focus on streamlining the management of hazardous-waste pharmaceuticals generated at various healthcare facilities, including retail stores with pharmacies, clinics, hospitals, and more. The goal is to prevent the unnecessary flushing of tons of hazardous pharmaceutical waste into our water systems.

To ensure compliance with 40 CFR and 21 CFR regulations set by the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) and the EPA, facilities have options for disposing of controlled substances and pharmaceutical waste. Rx Destroyer offers a solution with easy-to-use disposal containers, compliance consultation, and implementation guidance for any facility handling prescription medication and pharmaceutical waste. These containers come in different sizes to meet the specific needs of pharmacies, research labs, and other healthcare settings.

Rx Destroyer is committed to preserving water and saving lives by providing safe and efficient pharmaceutical waste disposal solutions. Our containers utilize a patented formula that instantly renders medications non-retrievable, meeting all federal regulations. It is important for each facility to adhere to internal policies, as well as state, local, and tribal regulations, to ensure proper disposal of pharmaceutical waste.

By implementing proper pharmaceutical waste disposal procedures in compliance with 40 CFR and 21 CFR regulations, healthcare facilities can contribute to safeguarding our environment and protecting public health.

Myranda Eckert

Myranda Eckert works as the Marketing Director at Rx Destroyer™. With 9+ years at Rx Destroyer ™, Myranda brings expertise and unique practices to the drug disposal industry. She sets industry standards through her lengthy list of credentials and passion for making drug disposal simple.