Reliable Managment Options for
Pharmaceutical Waste
Pharmaceutical waste includes prescription and over-the-counter drugs that are expired, unused, or contaminated. Some pharmaceutical waste may be hazardous, but not all hazardous waste is pharmaceutical. Generally, pharmaceutical waste produced by businesses may not be disposed of using take-back programs.
Disposal must comply with regulations set forth by local, state, and federal environmental protection agencies. With MBS, you can rest easy by utilizing our adaptable and compliant disposal system.
RCRA Waste
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, or RCRA, was established by the EPA in order to regulate the storing, handling, transportation, and disposal of hazardous material generated at your facility through a“cradle-to-grave” approach. Essentially, their regulations and policies ensure the safe management and cleanup of waste that poses a health threat to the public or to the environment.
Hazardous waste, including pharmaceutical waste, falls into two categories:
Listed Hazardous Wastes
Listed hazardous wastes contain specific chemicals that serve as the sole active ingredient of a discarded drug, and are further divided into P-listed and U-listed categories.
P-Listed Drugs
Considered to be acute hazardous waste. A few P-listed pharmaceuticals such as warfarin and dalfampridine are commonly found in hospitals.
U-Listed Drugs
Considered to be non-acute hazardous waste. A few examples of U-listed pharmaceuticals include lindane, chloral hydrate (CIV), and daunomycin.
Characteristic Hazardous Wastes
Characteristic Hazardous Wastes exhibit specific hazardous characteristics which are defined in four ways:
- Ignitable/Flammable – ex. rubbing alcohol
- Toxic – ex. arsenic, lindane, mercury
- Corrosive – N/A
- Reactive – N/A
Our pharmaceutical waste disposal solutions provide you with a simple yet efficient way to dispose of your pharmaceuticals, so you can focus on keeping your workplace safe, clean, and compliant.
Non-RCRA Waste
Non-RCRA waste is non-hazardous waste that is not governed by RCRA laws. However, it still requires proper disposal in order to comply with state and federal regulations. Despite being labeled as non-hazardous, non-RCRA waste still poses health risks to the environment.
Non-RCRA pharmaceutical waste accounts for the vast majority of waste generated from pharmacy inventory, common examples include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin, and fexofenadine. MBS’ pharmaceutical waste containers help you ensure safe and proper disposal in accordance with state and federal regulations.
Pharmaceutical Waste
Containers
Rest assured that your pharmaceuticals will be transported securely with our pharmaceutical waste containers. Choose from a variety of containers and sizes depending on your facility’s needs.
DEA Controlled
Substances
Controlled substances are drugs or chemicals that the DEA divides into five categories referred to as Schedules. These Schedule drugs are ranked based on their potential to create psychological and/or physical dependence, with Schedule I drugs having the most abuse potential and Schedule V having the least. You can learn more about Schedule I – V categories here.
Did You Know?
OSHA requires that employees that handle pharmaceutical waste undergo annual awareness training.
We’ve Got You Covered
MBS provides a variety of training options and more for your workers, so you can keep your facility safe and compliant.