2020 Outlook for Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals

In 2019, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Management Standards for Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals took effect in several states, including Alaska, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Dakota and Virginia.

State-by-state adoption will still be long and varied in 2020, with anticipated timelines for states still working on rules below:

• Alabama: Comments for drafted rule were due Dec. 5; anticipated adoption for early spring 2020.
• Minnesota: Adopting some portions of the rule immediately and beginning to host industry outreach on propose rulemaking.
• Oklahoma: If board approves proposed rule during Feb. 21, 2020 meeting, rule will be final
• Washington: Comments for drafted rule are due Dec. 23.

Authorized states will have to adopt the rule by July 1, 2021, and authorized states requiring statutory amendments must adopt the rule by July 1, 2022.

With these new regulations in effect in most states, all industries that deal with waste must review their hazardous waste management practices to ensure their practices are safe and compliant across all facilities. As rules vary state to state, it is crucial to understand the new regulations in full in each state your business is in. Additionally, it is important to note that no facility should make any changes to its programs until the rules take effect under state specific scheduled timelines.

As we continue to monitor and share updates in real-time, you can always visit our website for more information about the rule here.