The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing new rules for disposing pharmaceutical waste.
According to Waste 360, the proposed rule would, "ban healthcare facilities from flushing hazardous waste pharmaceuticals down the sink and toilet."
The agency estimates the move "could prevent the dumping of more than 6,400 tons of hazardous waste pharmaceuticals annually," according to the website which was quoting a news release.
There would be a specific set of regulations for health facilities to follow that would be aimed at reducing "the burden on healthcare workers and pharmacists working in healthcare facilities," according to the article.
“The proposals will improve the safety and health of our communities by providing clear, flexible and protective hazardous waste management standards," said Mathy Stanislaus, Assistant Administrator of the EPA’s Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, according to the article.
