The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently published its highly anticipated final rule on the Management Standards for Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals.
These new regulations require retailers with pharmacies to examine – and likely restructure – their hazardous waste management practices. Additionally, the rule also has implications for retailers without pharmaceuticals, as it addresses the reverse logistics of all retail products. Failure to comply with any part of the standards can result in costly fines and brand damage.
While the new legislation was detailed in hundreds of pages, here is a summary, along with highlights on what retailers need to know to stay compliant. Click here to view the full presentation.
The new rule also has relevance to retailers without pharmaceuticals. The EPA reaffirmed that unsold retail products managed through reverse logistics centers are not solid hazardous waste if managed through reverse logistics and have a reasonable expectation of being used, reused or reclaimed.
The agency allows some flexibility related to “reasonable expectation” but points to six key considerations:
Though these are final regulations, the current rules remain in effect until the effective date in the federal register and states adopt them. It is recommended that retailers review the regulations and begin planning for the changes to take effect.
For more information, please click here to view the full presentation. For questions, submit a request here.
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