Have a Question About Drug Disposal?

Excerpt per DEA regulations (e.g., § 1304.22(c) Final Rule – “controlled substance dispensed for immediate administration pursuant to an order for medication in an institutional setting remains under the custody and control of that registered institution even if the substance is not fully exhausted (e.g., some of the substance remains in a vial, tube, transdermal patch, or syringe after administration but cannot or may not be further utilized, commonly referred to as ‘drug wastage’ and ‘pharmaceutical wastage’). Such remaining substance must be properly recorded, stored, and destroyed in accordance with DEA regulations (e.g., § 1304.22(c)), and all applicable federal, state, tribal, and local laws and regulations, although the destruction need not be recorded on a DEA Form 41.”

Should you have any questions pertaining to this matter, please contact your local DEA field office. You may also contact the DEA Office of Diversion Control, Liaison and Policy Section, at (202) 307-7297.

The final rule implements a standard of destruction: non-retrievable. The process utilized to render a substance “non-retrievable” shall permanently alter the substance’s physical or chemical condition or state through irreversible means and thereby render the substance unavailable and unusable for all practical purposes. A substance is considered “non-retrievable” when it cannot be transformed to a physical or chemical condition or state as a controlled substance or controlled substance analogue.

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) gives EPA the authority to control hazardous waste from “cradle-to-grave.” This includes the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. RCRA also set forth a framework for the management of non-hazardous solid wastes. The 1986 amendments to RCRA enabled EPA to address environmental problems that could result from underground tanks storing petroleum and other hazardous substances.

With regard to pharmaceutical waste disposal and other regulated activities associated with pharmaceuticals, always follow applicable federal, state, local, and tribal laws/regulations. If your facility requires and does not have a pharmaceutical waste service provider, Rx Destroyer can recommend a service provider.

Rx Destroyer was developed to be disposed in the common trash. Some business types require incineration to mitigate risk. If you need to explore incineration, please call us for affordable pickup or mail-back options local to your facility.

Always review your company’s processes and policies or consult local, state, tribal or federal agencies for regulations that apply to your facilities prior to use.

Rx Destroyer products are manufactured on-demand and are processed based upon common FIFO (First-In, First-Out) inventory methods. Subsequently, orders shipped have a “Born On” date no later than 30 days prior to ship date.

Shelf-Life Guidelines:

• Unopened containers – (5) years.
• Once medications have been added, no longer than (1) year is suggested. If additives are bio based, user may want to dispose as soon as possible to avoid odors and or potential mold growth as it is impossible to predict all additive combinations.

With regard to pharmaceutical waste disposal, and other regulated activities associated with pharmaceuticals, always follow applicable federal, state, local, and tribal laws and regulations.

Rx Destroyer is designed to reduce the potential for pharmaceutical compounds to be released into the environment by adsorbing medications utilizing a method of deactivation known as chemical digestion. This method of disposal eliminates the contamination risks associated with flushing or draining medications. TCLP testing demonstrated that greater than 99% of ibuprofen in the evaluated Rx Destroyer sample was non-leachable, indicating a low potential for release under the simulated landfill leaching conditions used in the test.

Rx Destroyer patented* formula begins dissolving medications on contact. As medications are dispersed in the activated carbon slurry, diversion is discouraged, and potential environmental harm is reduced. Product is “ready-to-use”, no adding water needed. Simply add medications and when container is full discard into common trash. With regard to pharmaceutical waste disposal, and other regulated activities associated with pharmaceuticals, always follow applicable federal, state, local, and tribal laws and regulations.

Capsule shells may be less dense than the Rx Destroyer formula. Therefore, you may see some capsules floating in your container. Capsules are manufactured in a variety of materials such as protein-based gelatin and other bio-safe polymers. These components make the shells hard or soft. During the adsorption/destruction/neutralization process some may appear in the original form while others present as dissolved or collapsed. These shell conditions are considered normal and expected and does not indicate that the medication has not be neutralized.

Example: OROS (Osmotic Release Oral System) is an advanced controlled-release oral drug delivery system in the form of a rigid tablet with a semi-permeable outer membrane and one or more small laser drilled holes in it. As the tablet passes through the body, water is adsorbed through the semipermeable membrane via osmosis, and the resulting osmotic pressure is used to push the active drug through the opening in the tablet. OROS is a trademarked name owned by ALZA Corporation, which pioneered the use of osmotic pumps for oral drug delivery.

Like the human stomach, Rx Destroyer’s formulation will penetrate the capsule and neutralization will begin. Many variables determine if the capsule shell completely dissolves or remains intact. Like floating capsule shells in Rx Destroyer, it’s common for end-users to find capsule shells in stool.

Adsorption or irretrievability time varies depending on many factors including environment, drug type, quantity, and cocktail combinations. For this reason, we recommend keeping Rx Destroyer containers that are in use kept in a controlled and secure location.

Activated carbon is a form of chemical digestion. Chemical digestion is recognized as an example of current technology that may be utilized to achieve the non-retrievability standard set by the DEA. Rx Destroyer uses activated carbon.

US Patent #9,403,197 Issued August 2nd, 2016 applies to Rx Destroyer used with the hardener pouches.

Yes. Independent and certified DEA lab testing demonstrates the effectiveness of Rx Destroyer products for deactivation, adsorption and environmental impact.

All controlled substance destruction must be recorded on a Waste Destruction Log. This means that two witnesses have overseen the on-site destruction of the controlled substances. The log records date, dosage, amount destroyed, destruction method, and date with signature of each witness. The witness log is kept on-site for 3 to 5 years per state regulations.

The waste log verifies that the filled Rx Destroyer contains a non-hazardous carbon mixture. Once confirmed, the bottles can be discarded into a non-RCRA pharmaceutical waste bin or non-hazardous industrial waste bin.

Check out these PDFs.

Within the acute healthcare market, major waste hauler policies state they will accept regulated medical waste when it’s been properly documented and segregated. Rx Destroyer products are typically considered non-RCRA Pharmaceuticals and Non-Hazardous Waste must be characterized and certified as non-RCRA hazardous material by the generator. In cases where a facility has determined they can safely commingle hazardous and non-hazardous pharmaceuticals in Rx Destroyer, generator shall follow hazardous disposal processes to ensure safe and proper disposal of bottle contents. The “Waste Destruction Log” is the Generator’s record and proof of Rx Destroyer contents.

• DO NOT add effervescent or antacid or gassing medications.
• DO NOT add hardware such as syringes, glass or bottles. Dispose of physical vials and syringes into red sharps containers.
• DO NOT place hazardous materials (HAZMAT) or hazardous pharmaceuticals in the container unless your facility has determined the appropriate disposal pathway under applicable federal, state, tribal, and local regulations.
• Purdue Pharma’s version of Oxycontin is “non-divertible”, unique gel formulation may not dissolve timely in Rx Destroyer. Oxycontin or variations made by Purdue may be candidate for RCRA waste – consult your internal Pharmacist.

Yes. For disposal, simply remove the packaging and seal to expose medicated surface and drop into your Rx Destroyer All-Purpose formula container. If patch is large, Rx Destroyer suggests folding the patch with its skin surface facing outward. With regard to pharmaceutical waste disposal, and other regulated activities associated with pharmaceuticals, always follow applicable federal, state, local, and tribal laws and regulations.

Generators are ultimately responsible for product contents. If hazardous medications are loaded into the Rx Destroyer, then the bottle must be disposed as RCRA hazardous waste. Consult supervisor for facilities, local, state, or federal rules/guidelines with regard to pharmaceutical waste disposal, and other regulated activities associated with regard to pharmaceutical waste disposal and other regulated activities associated with pharmaceuticals.

Due to the sheer number of medication variations including new product introductions, there is no single source answer. In fact, the federal government has not updated the U-List and P-List since 1975. To make matters more challenging, each facility is responsible for identifying hazardous waste.

Under RCRA, a solid waste is considered hazardous waste if it exhibits one of four characteristics—ignitability, corrosivity, toxicity, or reactivity, or if it is specifically named on one of the four EPA lists of hazardous waste, P, U, F, and K, in 40 CFR §261.2(d). Drugs listed under P and U include specific unused chemicals; drugs under U are toxic, while those under P are considered acutely toxic.

Rx Destroyer recommends a combination of efforts including staff and consulting pharmacist review site formulary. If additional assistance is required, there are a number of outside analysis firms available to perform waste analysis. Also, be aware of local, state and tribal regulations may vary as to which drugs and what quantity qualify them as hazardous.

Alcohol is considered flammable and subsequently considered hazardous. Hazardous items are not to be placed in Rx Destroyer.

• Order from Authorized Distributor: See bottom of home page for partial list.
• Order Single Bottles: “Google” Buy Rx Destroyer, look for “Authorized” Rx Destroyer distributors.
• Now available at all Walgreens across the USA.

Rx Destroyer products DO NOT allow hazardous waste and do not apply to these standards. If product user determines it can safely manage hazardous medical waste, then it is the users prerogative and complete sole responsibility to manage according to the rules and regulations under which they’re governed.

DO NOT OPEN. Consult supervisor immediately. Take all necessary steps to safely transfer bottle(s) to controlled disposal area. Review list of additives to ensure gas causing items or combinations of gas causing items are not replicated. With regard to pharmaceutical waste disposal, and other regulated activities associated with pharmaceuticals, always follow applicable federal, state, local, and tribal laws and regulations.

Rx Destroyer contents are designed to be Eco-Friendly and are not themselves considered toxic or hazardous.

Follow facility, local, state, and federal guidelines for cleanup. Always maintain a list of medications added to system in your waste destruction log.

If in doubt, contact Poison Control Center (800) 222-1222.

• Simply allow to thaw and use as directed.
• If the container appears to be damaged in any way, discard.

Rx Destroyer pharmaceutical disposal system is a multiple use system. Continue to add medications until contents reach 2” from the top. When not in use, always store in a controlled, safe, and secure location.

The term “reusable” in reference to Rx Destroyer pertains exclusively to its capacity for pharmaceutical disposal until full. Rx Destroyer is designed to be employed for the secure and environmentally responsible disposal of pharmaceuticals until its maximum holding capacity is reached. Users are advised to adhere to the product’s specific guidelines and instructions for use. It’s important to note that once Rx Destroyer reaches its full capacity, it should no longer be utilized for pharmaceutical disposal, and users must follow appropriate disposal procedures. The term “reusable” does not imply indefinite or limitless use but rather emphasizes the product’s ability to be employed multiple times until reaching its predetermined limit. Users are encouraged to exercise caution and responsibility when using Rx Destroyer. The manufacturer is not liable for any misuse or improper disposal of pharmaceuticals.

Rx Destroyer accessories include our standard funnel RXFUN and RXFUN32 deluxe model which physically attach to containers. Both allow for easy and convenient dispensing of mass quantities.

Rx Destroyer Hardener helps prevent potential messy liquid spills in the waste stream. The dust-free formulation converts Rx Destroyer contents to solid gel, thereby meeting the SW-846 paint filter standards, which are mandatory for liquid waste to be accepted by landfills. Once your Rx Destroyer bottle is full, simply add the sealed hardener pouch(es). The pouch wrapper is designed to begin dissolving on contact. Some medications, drugs, or combinations may not be compatible with Rx Destroyer Hardener Packets due to their chemical composition.

Prior to discarding, secure the cap and gently shake the bottle until the fluid becomes a non-movable solid gel (Converts to gel normally within 5 minutes).

Yes. However, the hardener is optional and packets are sold separately.

Rx Destroyer Liquid line of products includes enough hardener packets for each bottle in the case.

When using hardener packets with All-Purpose formula, ensure that bottle contains at least 10% liquid. This allows hardener packets to fully dissolve, allowing disposed medication contents to achieve optimal hardened state.

Under the new DEA PPAEMA rule, you must produce records quickly during an inspection. Here are some of the disposal related documents that should be readily available:

Waste and Disposal Records

• DEA Form 41 (when applicable)
• DEA Form 222
• Reverse distributor records
• Expired medication destruction records
• Witnessed waste documentation
• Partial-use records

One that meets DEA regulations for rendering controlled substances “non-retrievable.” Under the new DEA PPAEMA final rule, EMS agencies are now being recognized as DEA Registrants. With that comes all of the rules and regulations one should follow. A compliant destruction process typically includes medications being deemed non-retrievable, proper wasting documentation, chain-of-custody protocol, and secure handling and storage.

Methods like flushing, draining, or throwing in the regular trash do not meet DEA expectations for controlled substance disposal.

Rx Destroyer provides a chemical destruction system designed to neutralize drugs. Leaving them non-retrievable which is an approved method for destruction by the DEA.

Yes. Rx Destroyer helps EMS agencies achieve DEA compliance and audit readiness with a secure, standardized way to render controlled substances non-retrievable.

With the DEA’s final implementation of the Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medication Act (PPAEMA), EMS agencies are now formally recognized as DEA Registrants. This means increased responsibility for controlled substances tracking, handling, wasting and more.

Rx Destroyer helps support these compliance efforts by:

• Rendering controlled substances non-retrievable in accordance tight DEA disposal requirements
• Reduced diversion risk
• Emphasizing standardized medication waste protocols
• Reinforced chain-of-custody accountability
• Mobile unit friendly disposal

As EMS agencies begin to adapt to the new PPAEMA ruling, finding the right disposal compliance solution should meet your team where they are at and make compliance simple.

Our most popular EMS compliance solution is the 16oz Liquid Lock Box Kit. This one stop shop compliance solution is specifically designed for liquid medication disposal in emergency vehicles. It securely mounts inside ambulances and response vehicles and can withstand vibration of the road, hands-free disposal, and demanding field conditions.