EPA proposes new hazardous waste status for long-term care facilities

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed new hazardous waste management requirements for long-term care (LTC) facilities.

Hazardous waste, including pharmaceuticals, generated at LTC facilities will no longer be exempt as household hazardous waste. The agency is concerned LTC facilities create a wider variety of and a higher amount of hazardous waste to be exempt with household status.   

 “Given that long-term care facilities are licensed settings for the care of their residents and routinely provide healthcare services, we believe that long-term care facilities more closely resemble hospitals than typical residences,” according to the proposal.

If the rule is passed as is, LTC facilities would need to manage their hazardous waste pharmaceuticals in accordance with healthcare facility specific management standards as outlined in Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Subtitle C.

Comments are open until Nov. 24.

Nicole Stempak

Nicole was Senior Editor at I Advance Senior Care and Long Term Living Magazine 2015-2017. She has a Journalism degree from Kent State University and is finalizing a master’s degree in Information Architecture and Management. She has extensive studies in the digital user experience and in branding online media. She has worked as an editor and writer for various B2B publications, including Business Finance.