Need to Know: New EPA Rule Effective Aug. 21

The U.S Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) newest rule will be in effect in various states beginning Aug. 21, 2019.

The new regulations require retailers with pharmacies and many other health care practices to asses hazardous waste management procedures. Any missteps in compliance can result in costly fines and brand damage.

The Clean Earth team continues to monitor the lengthy state-by-state adoption and provide updates on the latest activity. Please find the federal regulatory timeline for state adoption below.

Effective Aug. 21, 2019

The rule is effective on this date for the states listed below because both states don’t have a state-authorized Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) program:

• Alaska
• Iowa
• Puerto Rico

Additionally, the rule is effective on Aug. 21 in the following states because these states adopt rules on their effective dates:

• Florida
• Kentucky
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
• Virginia

States that have provided preliminary info on the rule

• Minnesota: Adopting some portions of the rule immediately
• New York: Continuing rulemaking process, including requiring a date on containers
• North Carolina: Adopting the nicotine exception on Aug. 21, 2019, but it will take 9 months to 1 year for Subpart P
• Rhode Island: Anticipated for late 2019
• Wisconsin: Plans to adopt in late 2019

It is critical to note that no facility should make any changes to its programs until the rules take effect under the scheduled timeline.

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