The EnviroBlog

Neither The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) nor most states specifically define trace chemotherapy (often shortened to “chemo”). EPA has recently recognized trace chemo waste as empty IV bags, tubings, vials, gowns, gloves and other items that are contaminated with residual chemo pharmaceuticals.  To add to the overall confusion, EPA lists only nine chemo agents, but we must consider that the regulations were written years ago and have not been updated since the approval of numerous new drugs now on the market. What is Trace Chemotherapy Waste? All chemo paraphernalia should be managed as trace chemo waste if there is any risk exposure to chemo contamination. Trace chemo waste includes: RCRA empty vials, syringes, IV bags, tubing, gowns, gloves, wipes other paraphernalia associated with routine handling, preparation, and administration of chemo wipes and other materials used during routine cleaning and decontamination of a biological safety cabinet or glove box ...

On 2/22/19, EPA has published the final rule: Management Standards for Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals and Amendment to the P075 Listing for Nicotine . This rule was initially proposed in 2015 and is scheduled to go into effect August 21, 2019. Goals for this rule include EPA’s efforts to establish cost-savings and streamlined standards for hazardous waste pharmaceutical (HWP) management in order to accommodate healthcare operations and maintain human health and environmental protection.  The rule also eliminates intentional sewer disposal or discharge of hazardous waste pharmaceuticals, reduces overlapping regulations (DEA, FDA, etc.), provides regulatory clarity and consistency on how RCRA applies to reverse distribution and reverse logistics, and allows pharmaceutical distributors, healthcare facilities, and other site that manage these wastes to exclude HWP from RCRA regulation standards.  This also excludes some FDA nicotine therapy products from regulation. Belo...