Update: Management Standards For Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals

DECEMBER 3, 2018

As we reported back in November, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has released a Final Rule for the Management Standards for Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals. It is anticipated that the EPA will now publish the final rule by the end of 2018.

The final rule will cover most healthcare entities that manage pharmaceutical products and waste, such as hospitals, pharmacies, dentists, nursing or long-term care facilities (LTCF), clinics and reverse distributors. The final rule will not apply to pharmaceutical manufacturers and wholesalers.

While the new regulations have not been officially released, below we’ve highlighted the key takeaways of the proposed rule and potential impacts on healthcare facilities:

• Facilities will no longer count hazardous waste pharmaceuticals towards their generator status.
• Facilities will not have to comply with the central or satellite accumulation area regulations for pharmaceutical waste.
• Facilities will be able to accumulate hazardous waste pharmaceuticals on site for up to one year.
• Facilities will soon have basic training requirements related to hazardous pharmaceutical waste management.

As we continue to wait for the EPA to publish the final rule, Clean Earth is preparing to complete a comprehensive review and analysis for the final published rule. This will outline the final components of the rule, evaluate and determine the impact on customers, and provide an overall summary analysis to the various affected business units.

For more information on the new pharma rule, be sure to regularly check our website for updates or click here.