Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal Program

Transcription

1 Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal Program

2 RCRA In 1976, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act was enacted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This law regulates the disposal of solid wastes and encourages the minimization of waste generation. It defines hazardous waste and it requires its tracking from cradle to grave. Our BHSF Pharmaceutical Waste Program was implemented at BHSF 9 years ago in efforts to comply with Federal regulations that protect our environment. Noncompliance of these laws translates to hefty fines of up to $71,264 per day/per violation.

3 Safety & Compliance Containers are designed specifically for pharmaceutical waste. Disposable containers. Containers are pre-labeled. DOT approved.

4 Black Bin for Medication Waste All forms of medication and chemotherapy waste along with their containers are disposed of in the black containers. All packaging from warfarin(coumadin) and nicotine (gum, lozenge and patch) must be disposed of in black bin as residue is considered hazardous. Normal Saline, Lactated Ringers and D5W plain or with electolytes(na, K, Mag, Ca) may be drained into the sink and then discarded in the trash. Any IV with other medications added must be put SEALED in black bin (no leaking fluid ). No blood bags are to be disposed of in this bin. Blood bags and items soaked with blood or body fluids are to be disposed of in the red biohazardous bags. Needles are only disposed of in the sharps container. We do not want to pose the threat of a needle stick if the nurse walks down the hall with a sharp.

5 ITEMS TO BE RETURNED TO PHARMACY Another form of pharmaceutical waste is the aerosols and pressurized medications. This waste stream must be separated from the other pharmaceutical waste in order to be safely incinerated and to comply with the Department of Transportations regulations. All pressurized & ignitable medications must be RETURNED TO PHARMACY (including empties ). Examples include: Albuterol, Atrovent, Granulex, Dermaplast and Proctofoam (shown in the pictures below).

6 ITEMS TO BE RETURNED TO PHARMACY Another form of pharmaceutical waste is oxidizing agents. This waste stream must be separated from the other pharmaceutical waste in order to be safely incinerated and to comply with the Department of Transportations regulations. The pharmaceutical that falls into this category is silver nitrate sticks. Unused but open packages of sticks must be RETURNED TO THE PHARMACY for proper disposal.

7 Wasting of Narcotics The procedure for any narcotics that are wasted remains the same. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) supersedes the EPA at this point in time. Continue to follow Bethesda Policy on narcotic wasting down the sink/toilet

8 Label Information on Bins Bins will come labeled with a Universal Pharmaceutical Waste tracking label. The label information includes: Location Accumulation Start Date Accumulation End Date Phone number to call in the event of a spill Phone number to call for pick up and delivery of bins The facility address must also be identified

9 Summary of Pharmaceutical Waste handling Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal Program All forms of non-narcotic medication and chemotherapy waste are to be disposed of in the black bin. Any EMPTY containers (oral syringes, bottles, cups, etc) are to be disposed of in regular trash. All warfarin (Coumadin) and nicotine (patches & gum) packaging MUST BE disposed of in the black container, even if there is no medication to waste. NO needles!! >dispose of in sharps containers!! NO pressurized aerosols!!------>return to Pharmacy!! NO inhalers!! >return to Pharmacy!! NO silver nitrate!! >return to Pharmacy!! NO narcotics!! >waste down sinks!! NO empty I.V. Tubing!! > Regular trash containers!! NO I.V. Bags with plain saline (all strengths), D5W, and LR products Or with electrolytes such as KCl, Mg, and Na!! *Drain fluids down the sink and place empty bag in trash can!! NO LEAKING FLUIDS!! ---> IV bags cannot be leaking when placed in the container. Must be sealed, clamped, etc. Any loose fluids MUST be solidified with Isosorb BEFORE being placed in black bin.

10 Thank You!