PHARMACEUTICAL WASTE DISPOSAL

A drug or chemical whose manufacture, possession, or use is regulated by a government agency, such as the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). The possession and disposal of such substances are highly regulated.

1. Schedule I drugs: high potential for abuse & no accepted medical use, such as Heroin, LSD, Ecstasy, etc.
2. Schedule II drugs: Narcotics, such as Oxycontin, Propofol, Percocet or Fentanyl
3. Schedule III drugs: Low level narcotics, such as Vicodin, Tylenol III (Codeine), Ketamine
4. Schedule IV drugs: less potential of abuse vs. schedule III drugs, examples are Midazolam, Ephedrine, Diazepam
5. Schedule V drugs: low potential of abuse, such as cough suppressants w/ codeine

How to ID Controlled Substances: All controlled substances containers (Bottles or vials) will include a controlled substances icon (Big “C”) with the schedule level within the icon.

21 CFR, Part 1317, Subpart A – Disposal of Controlled Substances by Registrants

“Any registered practitioner in lawful possession of a controlled substance in its inventory that desires to dispose of that substance shall”

• Destroy using an on-site method of destruction in presence of DEA agent or other authorized person.
• Deliver to a reverse distributor’s registered location by common or contract carrier
• Request assistance from local DEA agent to dispose

Collecting and Disposing of Unwanted Medicines. Information for Hospitals, Pharmacies and other Businesses with Unwanted Medicines.

• “Healthcare facilities and healthcare-related businesses that generate pharmaceutical wastes are responsible for appropriately managing their wastes in accordance with all local, state and federal environmental regulations.”
• Hospitals, pharmacies and other businesses generating pharmaceutical waste generally cannot use take back programs or events to dispose of expired, unwanted or unused pharmaceuticals.”
• EPA is currently recommending incineration as the preferred disposal method because we believe that incineration will address both environmental and diversion concerns.