EPA Guide Targets Hazardous Waste in Healthcare

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently published the 2022 edition of a guide designed to help healthcare facilities managers understand applicable regulations so they can develop compliant, holistic and cost-effective pharmaceutical waste management programs. 

The goal of the guide, A 10-Step Blueprint for Managing Pharmaceutical Waste in U.S. Healthcare Facilities, is to help healthcare facilities understand EPA’s hazardous waste regulations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) as they apply to hazardous waste pharmaceuticals. 

The guide’s first section includes lists of hazardous waste, including ignitable and toxic materials. It also features information about the disposal of various types of empty pharmaceutical containers, including syringes, intravenous fluid bags, capsule containers and more. 

The second section outlines steps institutions can follow to implement updated hazardous medical waste disposal, including guidelines for choosing vendors that can help implement new procedures and steps for implementing the plan in pharmacies, nursing units and areas patients can access.