EPA Investigates the Disposal of Unused Drugs

VHCA (9/4/2008)

The Environmental Protection Association (EPA) will submit an Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget, for collection of information from the Health Services Industry, which includes long term care facilities. The EPA is considering possible regulation of the disposal of unused pharmaceuticals to sanitary sewer systems, a move which has been spurred by recent studies that have indicated the presence of significant concentrations of pharmaceuticals in waters.

The ICR proposes a mandatory data collection on which pharmaceuticals are being disposed of and at what quantities, facility options for disposing of unused pharmaceuticals other than to the local sewer system, and other factors that influence disposal decisions. The EPA is currently looking for volunteers from long term care facilities and hospitals to comment on the questions and overall structure of the survey. If you are interested in reviewing the data request, contact Meghan Hessenaur at 202.566.1040.