WSR 16-22-005

POLICY STATEMENT

[Filed October 19, 2016, 4:08 p.m.]

Purpose: In accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, RCW 34.05.230, the department of ecology submits the following notice that the policy below is now available:

Policy Title: Interim Pharmaceutical Waste Policy - Pharmaceutical Waste Management in Healthcare. Pub. #07-04-024.

Subject: This policy gives an alternative regulatory option to the requirements of chapter 173-303 WAC, Dangerous waste regulations, for generators of dangerous waste pharmaceuticals. It provides an easier waste management system which is equally protective of human health and the environment.

Policy Description: This policy revises and supersedes the "Interim Enforcement Policy for Pharmaceutical Waste," written in 2008. In anticipation of a new federal rule from the Environmental Protection Agency and subsequent adoption by ecology, the agency is updating the old policy to more closely match the proposed rules.

Ecology will continue to use enforcement discretion and won't enforce specified parts of the dangerous waste regulations at eligible businesses that manage pharmaceutical wastes according to this policy. This should make it easier for health care facilities to manage pharmaceutical wastes. Facilities that do not follow these guidelines will be subject to all applicable sections of the dangerous waste regulations.

Contact Information: To receive a copy of the policy contact Rob Rieck, Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program, Department of Ecology, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600, phone (360) 407-6751, e-mail rori461@ecy.wa.gov, or download a copy at https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/documents/0704024.pdf.