New EPA rule on the disposal of hazardous medications appears broader than prior proposals and creates new recordkeeping and notification requirements, according to an article on the Lexology website.

The Environmental Protection Agency recently announced the rule, which seeks to clarify the requirements under federal hazardous waste regulations (specifically those developed under the Resource Conservation and Restoration Act, known as “RCRA”) to pharmaceuticals that have not been prescribed to patients for their end purpose. 

The EPA is taking a sector-specific approach by proposing a separate set of regulations that would be applicable to hazardous pharmaceutical wastes managed by healthcare facilities and pharmaceutical reverse distributors. 

The EPA rule defines pharmaceuticals to include medication, dietary supplements, and any items containing pharmaceutical residuals, such as IV bags, unit dose packages, personal protective clothing contaminated with medications, and any spilled materials. 

Read the article.