Emergency Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal: What You Need To Know
Pharmaceutical waste can pose serious risks to public health and the environment if not handled properly. In emergencies, such as spills or sudden accumulation of unused or expired medications, swift and compliant disposal is crucial. This guide highlights key aspects of emergency pharmaceutical waste disposal and how to manage it effectively, including services like sharps disposal in Maryland. 1. Understand Pharmaceutical Waste Categories Pharmaceutical waste includes expired medications, unused prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and hazardous chemicals. These are typically classified as: Non-hazardous Waste: Medications that don’t pose immediate health risks. Hazardous Waste: Includes cytotoxic drugs and chemicals requiring specialized handling. Sharps Waste: Used needles, syringes, and similar materials requiring specialized containment and disposal. Identifying the category of waste is the first step in emergency disposal. 2. Follow Federal and State Regul...