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Study of the Methods for Disposing of Unused Pharmaceuticals

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Study of the Methods for Disposing of Unused Pharmaceuticals Below is an Electronic Version of an Out-of-Print Publication You can scroll to view or print this publication here, or you can borrow a paper copy from the Texas State Library, 512-463-5455. You can also view a copy at the TCEQ Library, 512-239-0020, or borrow one through your branch library using interlibrary loan. The TCEQ’s current print publications are listed in our catalog at www.tceq.texas.gov/publications/ This document is out of print, and should be used for historical reference only. December 2010 SFR-098 Study of the Methods for Disposing of Unused Pharmaceuticals Water Supply Division printed on recycled paper TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY Study of the Methods for Disposing of Unused Pharmaceuticals Prepared by Water Supply Division SFR-098 December 2010 Bryan W. Shaw, Ph.D., Chairman Buddy Garcia, Commissioner Carlos Rubinstein, Commissioner Mark R. Vickery, P.G., Executive Director This report is published as required under the Senate Bill 1757, 81st regular session, Section 1. We authorize you to use or reproduce any original material contained in this publication—that is, any material we did not obtain from other sources. Please acknowledge the TCEQ as your source. Copies of this publication are available for public use through the Texas State Library, other state depository libraries, and the TCEQ Library, in compliance with state depository law. For more information on TCEQ publications, call 512-239-0028 or visit our website at: www.tceq.state.tx.us/goto/publications Published and distributed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality PO Box 13087 Austin TX 78711-3087 The TCEQ is an equal opportunity employer. The agency does not allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation or veteran status. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this document may be requested in alternate formats by contacting the TCEQ at 512-239-0028, Fax 512-239-4488, or 1-800-RELAY-TX (TDD), or by writing PO Box 13087, Austin, TX 78711-3087. How is our customer service? www.tceq.state.tx.us/goto/customersurvey ii Contents Executive Summary ............................................................................................ 1 Pharmaceuticals in the Environment ................................................................. 1 Current Methods of Pharmaceutical Disposal ................................................... 1 Impact of Disposal Methods on the Environment ............................................. 2 Aquatic Life Impacts ........................................................................................ 3 Human Health Impacts .................................................................................... 3 Alternative Methods of Management and Disposal .......................................... 3 Approaches Adopted by Other States ............................................................ 4 Alternative Methods of Management/Disposal for Health-Care Industry and Other Businesses ...................................................................................... 4 Alternative Methods of Management/Disposal for Consumers ..................... 5 Potential Impact of Alternative Methods of Management/Disposal ............. 5 Recommended Approaches for Texas ................................................................ 5 Conclusion ........................................................................................................... 6 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 8 TCEQ Study Approach ........................................................................................ 9 Pharmaceutical Disposal Advisory Group ..................................................... 9 Surveys ........................................................................................................... 10 Report Organization .......................................................................................... 11 Sources of Pharmaceuticals in the Environment ............................................ 13 Excretion ........................................................................................................ 13 Drain Disposal ................................................................................................ 13 Wastewater and Biosolids ............................................................................. 14 Agricultural Activities ................................................................................... 16 Manufacturing ................................................................................................ 16 Landfills .......................................................................................................... 17 Technologies for Removing Pharmaceuticals from Wastewater and Drinking Water ........................................................................................... 17 Occurrence and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals in the Environment ............ 19 Surface Water ................................................................................................. 20 Groundwater .................................................................................................. 21 Raw Drinking Water Sources ........................................................................ 22 Pre- and Post-Treatment Occurrence Studies – Wastewater and Drinking Water ....................................................................................... 24 Landfill Leachate ........................................................................................... 25 Biosolids and Soil .......................................................................................... 26 Aquatic Life .................................................................................................... 27 December 2010 iii Study of the Methods for Disposing of Unused Pharmaceuticals TCEQ publication SFR-098 Drinking Water Standards ............................................................................. 28 Environmental Monitoring Associated with Permitted Municipal Solid Waste Landfills .............................................................................................. 30 Environmental Monitoring Associated with Permitted Industrial and Hazardous Waste Disposal Units .................................................................. 30 Air Quality Standards .................................................................................... 31 Current Methods for Disposing of Unused Pharmaceuticals ....................... 33 Current Rules Related to the Disposal of Unused Pharmaceuticals ............... 33 Federal Guidance for Consumers .................................................................. 33 State Guidance for Consumers ...................................................................... 35 Solid Waste Regulations ................................................................................ 35 Municipal Solid Waste .................................................................................. 36 Special Waste ................................................................................................. 38 Medical Waste ................................................................................................ 38 Incineration .................................................................................................... 40 Industrial Solid Waste ................................................................................... 40 Hazardous Waste ........................................................................................... 41 Household Hazardous Waste ........................................................................ 42 Regulated Hazardous Waste .......................................................................... 44 Controlled Substances ................................................................................... 45 Dangerous Drugs and the Regulation of Pharmacies and Pharmacists ...... 50 Texas Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act............................................................. 56 Long Term Care Facilities ............................................................................. 59 HIPAA and the Protection of Personal Information .................................... 63 United States Postal Service Regulations Regarding Mailing of Pharmaceuticals ............................................................................................. 63 Current Unused Pharmaceutical Disposal Practices ....................................... 66 Health-Care Providers .................................................................................... 66 Long Term Care Facilities ............................................................................. 74 Home Health and Community Support Services ......................................... 77 Veterinary Providers ...................................................................................... 79 Pharmacies ..................................................................................................... 80 Pharmaceutical Manufacturers ..................................................................... 82 Research Institutions ..................................................................................... 84 Waste Management/Disposal Service Providers .......................................... 85 Law Enforcement ..........................................................................................
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