The first rule relates to hazardous waste pharmaceuticals, reducing the amount of them entering the nation’s waterways by banning healthcare facilities from flushing them down the sink and toilet. The second regulation, called the generator rule, aims to promote better labeling and emergency planning of hazardous waste while giving facilities storing the materials more flexibility on their management. It would also make the regulations surrounding hazardous waste easier to understand.
“These rules provide businesses with certainty and the flexibility they need to successfully operate in today’s marketplace,” EPA Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response Assistant Administrator Mathy Stanislaus said. “The proposals will improve the safety and health of our communities by providing clear, flexible and protective hazardous waste management standards.”
The rules were developed with public comments from states, healthcare facilities, retailers and other relevant parties. The EPA will hold a 60-day public comment period on the proposed regulations once they are published in the Federal Register.
EPA testimony statements are found online at www.epa.gov.
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