Reducing Pharmaceuticals in Hospital Wastewater
(Brookfield, WI - July 2021) PharmEcology Services, WM Sustainability Services
Health Care Without Harm Europe recently published the document Pharmaceutical Residues in Hospital Wastewater which explores the impacts hospitals have on community wastewater treatment efforts and describes five pilot projects to reduce common drug residues such as chemotherapy and contrast agents in hospital discharges.
One of the methods noted in addition to treatment, and the easiest to implement, is to “follow protocols to safely dispose pharmaceutical waste.” This study, coupled with EPA’s sewer ban on hazardous waste pharmaceuticals under 40 CFR 266 Subpart P, should encourage all healthcare facilities to review disposal practices in the pharmacy and nursing units to ensure that no drugs are being disposed down the drain, other than simple hydration fluids, such as salts and sugars.
Kudos to Janet Bowen, EPA Region 1, for featuring this article in her healthcare industry newsletter. To receive Janet’s newsletter, contact her at bowen.janet@epa.gov. The full article can be accessed at https://noharm-uscanada.org/sites/default/files/documents-files/6831/14-07-2021_Pharmaceutical-residues-in-hospital-wastewater-FINAL.pdf
To learn more about individual products and services to assist in managing hazardous waste and hazardous drugs, and to receive a demonstration of our new portal, please contact us at 1-877-247-7430 or at info@pharmecology.com..
- Posted: July 26, 2021
Rely on our comprehensive solutions to deliver environmentally sound management of both hazardous waste pharmaceuticals and NIOSH hazardous drug handling.
About Us
PharmEcology has been the thought leader in pharmaceutical waste management since its inception in 2000 and has pioneered both hazardous waste categorization and the implementation process throughout the healthcare organization.
Contact Us
Phone: 877-247-7430