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Pharmaceutical Waste Process |
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Going Green - Supplement to July 2008
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This diagram outlines Nebraska Methodist Hospital's current drug waste process. Clearly, the appropriate management of pharmacy waste is a much more complicated process than simply depositing the wasted drug and its corresponding packaging into the right waste stream. Following the myriad of regulations that apply to pharmaceutical waste management is a challenging task. Keep in mind that standards differ slightly on a state-by-state basis, making it crucial to understand all regulations that pertain to your facility. Some of the most common mistakes made in the waste management process are the inappropriate disposal of RCRA waste as chemotherapy waste and the inappropriate disposal of non-hazardous drug waste as biohazardous, or red bag, waste. Because it is so easy for improperly disposed of waste to end up in our water supply, the importance of managing your pharmaceuticals with a cradle-to-grave approach cannot be overstated.
Click here to view the Nebraska Methodist Hospital's current drug waste process.
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Pharmaceutical Waste Management |
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Going Green - Supplement to July 2008
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The number of respondents unfamiliar with a cradle-to-grave approach to pharmaceutical waste management (see the graph to the right) suggests a significant dichotomy in pharmacy directors’ waste management expertise. There is good news to report regarding projected changes to waste management methods for both regulated and non-regulated pharmaceutical waste. The popularity of managing all drug waste as hazardous is expected to decline over the next three to five years, as is use of the sanitary sewer.
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Regulatory Inspections and Requirements |
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Going Green - Supplement to July 2008
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When it comes to regulatory inspections, 39% of facilities report having been recently inspected by the EPA or their state board. Of those involved with the inspections, 68% report being questioned about hazardous drug waste or RCRA compliance. While no reports of citations in the pharmacy were received, 15% of facilities received recommendations for their pharmacy.
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Going Green - Supplement to July 2008
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Hospitals with recycling programs in place are now in the majority...
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Going Green - Supplement to July 2008
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The commitment to environmental management is very strong across all hospital sizes. Larger hospitals report a somewhat higher commitment in the near term; however, all hospitals, regardless of size, predict steady growth in their commitment to environmental management.
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