Hospital Pharmacist
Vol 12 No 7 p248
July/August 2005

News summary

Interim guidance published on hazardous waste regulations

Interim advice on dealing with new hazardous waste regulations, which came into effect on 16 July, has been published. The Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005 implement many European directives. The interim guidance has been written by a group including the NHS Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance Committee, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee, the Environment Agency and care home representatives.

The regulations cover the storage, carriage, processing and supply of waste. A breach of the regulations is a criminal offence with fines of up to £20,000 and terms of imprisonment of up to six months.

The guidance states that most prescription-only medicines will no longer be classed as hazardous — the exceptions being cytotoxic and cytostatic medicines. Until an authoritative list of drugs which are classed as hazardous waste is produced for the UK, pharmacists are advised to use a US list included in the guidance. Every person who produces or stores hazardous waste must notify their premises to the Environment Agency (this will normally be done by the trust waste management department).

The guidance states the mixing of different types of hazardous waste, and the mixing of hazardous and non-hazardous waste, is now prohibited. This means that pharmacies will need at least two containers — one for cytotoxic or cytostatic waste, and one for other waste.

A list of medicines that do not have hazardous properties will be produced. These medicines are suitable for disposal in the sewer or landfill site.

Colin Ranshaw, chair of the working group on hazardous waste set up by the NHS Quality Assurance Committee, commented that “all hospital pharmacists should read the guidance, as the new regulations change the way waste is dealt with, and failure to comply can lead to a criminal conviction.” Mr Ranshaw emphasised that other health care professionals who handle medicines, such as nurses and doctors, should also be aware of the changes. Final guidance on complying with the new regulations is due in September and Mr Ranshaw encouraged pharmacists to send him comments on the interim document (e-mail Colin.Ranshaw@CardiffandVale.wales.nhs.uk)

The interim document can be viewed online on the practice section of the Society’s website.