Best Practices: Disposing of Hazardous Drugs in a Pharmacy

While all drugs have their degrees of toxicity, hazardous drugs are in a class by themselves. Hazardous drugs are those that scientists have determined are lethal or dangerous to people’s health. These effects can include carcinogenicity (cancer-causing), teratogenicity (causing defects in a developing fetus), reproductive toxicity (risk to fertility), organ toxicity, genotoxicity (damage at the genetic level), and other types.

Therefore, pharmacists must make special efforts to protect people, animals, plants, and the planet when such drugs expire, become contaminated, or otherwise require disposal. Here are several best practices for disposing of hazardous drugs in a pharmacy.

Familiarity With Regulatory Compliance

First off, familiarity with regulatory compliance is a must. Several federal and other agencies have established regulations for hazardous drug disposal. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for example, focuses on proper environmental disposal.

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) manages and observes proper hazardous waste disposal in general. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), of course, oversees controlled substances, while assorted state pharmacy boards contribute and enforce specific regulations for their individual states. Staying within the strictures of these agencies ensures no fines and a safer community. Brush up on them and stay apprised of any changes.

Segregation and Labeling

Pharmacists must properly contain, isolate, and label hazardous drugs, like any hazardous substance, to prevent cross-contamination, reactivity, and potential release into the community or ecosystem. Label hazardous and non-hazardous drugs as such and give them separate color-coded disposal containers to prevent confusion. Ensure containers are leak- and puncture- or rupture-proof, and provide detailed labels explaining the contents, their dangers, and how to handle the possibility of leakage or escape.

Employee Training and Safety

Pharmacy employees are the first line of defense against hazardous drugs getting out and causing havoc. Provide regular training to staff about proper handling, identification of hazardous and non-hazardous drugs, the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and steps to take when disposing of drugs. Emergency response training is another must. Ensure employees receive an up-to-date education on dealing with accidental exposure, spills, and more.

Utilize Reverse Distribution

Reverse distribution involves the responsible disposal of hazardous, expired, or unused waste. This system involves partnering with a licensed reverse distributor or waste disposal expert trained in the collection, transportation, and destruction of drugs and staying compliant with the above-mentioned regulations. Working with these experts lowers the pharmacy’s risk of improper disposal and provides documentation of the disposal to prove the pharmacy showed due diligence in safely getting rid of the drugs. Pharmacies and waste disposal companies use one or more methods to destroy hazardous drugs, such as incineration, chemical deactivation, or secure landfills (for drugs they cannot incinerate or deactivate) to keep the community and environment safe.

Those are the main best practices for disposing of hazardous drugs in a pharmacy. Remember, safe disposal starts with informed and diligent practices. Seek hazardous waste disposal in San Diego and the surrounding region if you require a partner in your disposal efforts or otherwise. Contact us for a consultation today!