Final EPA Rule Narrows Definition Of Pharmaceuticals Subject To RCRA

Over industry's strong objections, EPA's final hazardous waste pharmaceutical rule retains a proposed Obama-era definition that prescription pharmaceuticals sent from healthcare facilities to reverse distributors are regulated as solid waste, but the rule now excludes non-prescription medication sent to reverse logistics centers from the definition. The final rule , released Dec. 12, also bans the “sewering” of hazardous waste medications, as proposed, and exempts Food and Drug Administration-approved nicotine replacement therapies, such as patches and gum, from hazardous waste disposal...