Title 40—Protection of Environment--Volume 1
PART 266—STANDARDS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF SPECIFIC HAZARDOUS WASTES AND SPECIFIC TYPES OF HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITIES
§ 266.350   What records must you keep at your facility and for how long?
In addition to those records required by your NRC or NRC Agreement State license, you must keep records as follows:
(a) You must follow the applicable existing recordkeeping requirements under 40 CFR 264.73, 40 CFR 265.73, and 40 CFR 268.7 of this chapter to demonstrate that your waste has met LDR treatment standards prior to your claiming the exemption.
(b) You must keep a copy of all notifications and return receipts required under §§ 266.355, and 266.360 for three years after the exempted waste is sent for disposal.
(c) You must keep a copy of all notifications and return receipts required under § 266.345(a) for three years after the last exempted waste is sent for disposal.
(d) You must keep a copy of the notification and return receipt required under § 266.345(b) for three years after the exempted waste is sent for disposal.
(e) If you are not already subject to NRC, or NRC Agreement State equivalent manifest and transportation regulations for the shipment of your waste, you must also keep all other documents related to tracking the exempted waste as required under 10 CFR 20.2006 or NRC Agreement State equivalent regulations, including applicable NARM requirements, in addition to the records specified in § 266.350(a) through (d).
§ 266.355   How could you lose the transportation and disposal conditional exemption for your waste and what actions must you take?
(a) Any waste will automatically lose the transportation and disposal exemption if you fail to manage it in accordance with all of the conditions specified in § 266.315.
(1) When you fail to meet any of the conditions specified in § 266.315 for any of your wastes, you must report to us, in writing by certified delivery, within 30 days of learning of the failure. Your report must be signed by your authorized representative certifying that the information provided is true, accurate, and complete. This report must include:
(i) The specific condition(s) that you failed to meet for the waste;
(ii) A description of the waste (including the waste name, hazardous waste codes and quantity) that lost the exemption; and
(iii) The date(s) on which you failed to meet the condition(s) for the waste.
(2) If the failure to meet any of the conditions may endanger human health or the environment, you must also immediately notify us orally within 24 hours and follow up with a written notification within 5 days.
(b) We may terminate your ability to claim a conditional exemption for your waste, or require you to meet additional conditions to claim a conditional exemption, for serious or repeated noncompliance with any requirement(s) of subpart N of this part.
§ 266.360   If you lose the transportation and disposal conditional exemption for a waste, can the exemption be reclaimed?
(a) You may reclaim the transportation and disposal exemption for a waste after you have received a return receipt confirming that we have received your notification of the loss of the exemption specified in § 266.355(a) and if:
(1) You again meet the conditions specified in § 266.315 for the waste; and
(2) You send a notice, by certified delivery, to us that you are reclaiming the exemption for the waste. Your notice must be signed by your authorized representative certifying that the information provided is true, accurate, and complete. The notice must:
(i) Explain the circumstances of each failure.
(ii) Certify that each failure that caused you to lose the exemption for the waste has been corrected and that you again meet all conditions for the waste as of the date you specify.
(iii) Describe plans you have implemented, listing the specific steps that you have taken, to ensure that conditions will be met in the future.
(iv) Include any other information you want us to consider when we review your notice reclaiming the exemption.
(b) We may terminate a reclaimed conditional exemption if we find that your claim is inappropriate based on factors including, but not limited to: you have failed to correct the problem; you explained the circumstances of the failure unsatisfactorily; or you failed to implement a plan with steps to prevent another failure to meet the conditions of § 266.315. In reviewing a reclaimed conditional exemption under this section, we may add conditions to the exemption to ensure that transportation and disposal activities will protect human health and the environment.
§ 266.500   Definitions for this subpart.
The following definitions apply to this subpart:
Evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceutical means a prescription hazardous waste pharmaceutical that has been evaluated by a reverse distributor in accordance with § 266.510(a)(3) and will not be sent to another reverse distributor for further evaluation or verification of manufacture credit.
Hazardous waste pharmaceutical means a pharmaceutical that is a solid waste, as defined in § 261.2, and exhibits one or more characteristics identified in part 261 subpart C or is listed in part 261 subpart D. A pharmaceutical is not a solid waste, as defined in § 261.2, and therefore not a hazardous waste pharmaceutical, if it is legitimately used/reused ( e.g., lawfully donated for its intended purpose) or reclaimed. An over-the-counter pharmaceutical, dietary supplement, or homeopathic drug is not a solid waste, as defined in § 261.2, and therefore not a hazardous waste pharmaceutical, if it has a reasonable expectation of being legitimately used/reused ( e.g., lawfully redistributed for its intended purpose) or reclaimed.
Healthcare facility means any person that is lawfully authorized to—
(1) Provide preventative, diagnostic, therapeutic, rehabilitative, maintenance or palliative care, and counseling, service, assessment or procedure with respect to the physical or mental condition, or functional status, of a human or animal or that affects the structure or function of the human or animal body; or
(2) Distribute, sell, or dispense pharmaceuticals, including over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, homeopathic drugs, or prescription pharmaceuticals. This definition includes, but is not limited to, wholesale distributors, third-party logistics providers that serve as forward distributors, military medical logistics facilities, hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, health clinics, physicians' offices, optical and dental providers, chiropractors, long-term care facilities, ambulance services, pharmacies, long-term care pharmacies, mail-order pharmacies, retailers of pharmaceuticals, veterinary clinics, and veterinary hospitals. This definition does not include pharmaceutical manufacturers, reverse distributors, or reverse logistics centers.
Household waste pharmaceutical means a pharmaceutical that is a solid waste, as defined in § 261.2, but is excluded from being a hazardous waste under § 261.4(b)(1).
Long-term care facility means a licensed entity that provides assistance with activities of daily living, including managing and administering pharmaceuticals to one or more individuals at the facility. This definition includes, but is not limited to, hospice facilities, nursing facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and the nursing and skilled nursing care portions of continuing care retirement communities. Not included within the scope of this definition are group homes, independent living communities, assisted living facilities, and the independent and assisted living portions of continuing care retirement communities.
Non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceutical means a prescription hazardous waste pharmaceutical that does not have a reasonable expectation to be eligible for manufacturer credit or a nonprescription hazardous waste pharmaceutical that does not have a reasonable expectation to be legitimately used/reused or reclaimed. This includes but is not limited to, investigational drugs, free samples of pharmaceuticals received by healthcare facilities, residues of pharmaceuticals remaining in empty containers, contaminated personal protective equipment, floor sweepings, and clean-up material from the spills of pharmaceuticals.
Non-hazardous waste pharmaceutical means a pharmaceutical that is a solid waste, as defined in § 261.2, and is not listed in 40 CFR part 261 subpart D, and does not exhibit a characteristic identified in 40 CFR part 261 subpart C.
Non-pharmaceutical hazardous waste means a solid waste, as defined in § 261.2, that is listed in 40 CFR part 261 subpart D, or exhibits one or more characteristics identified in 40 CFR part 261 subpart C, but is not a pharmaceutical, as defined in this section.
Pharmaceutical means any drug or dietary supplement for use by humans or other animals; any electronic nicotine delivery system ( e.g., electronic cigarette or vaping pen); or any liquid nicotine (e-liquid) packaged for retail sale for use in electronic nicotine delivery systems ( e.g., pre-filled cartridges or vials). This definition includes, but is not limited to, dietary supplements, as defined by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act; prescription drugs, as defined by 21 CFR 203.3(y); over-the-counter drugs; homeopathic drugs; compounded drugs; investigational new drugs; pharmaceuticals remaining in non-empty containers; personal protective equipment contaminated with pharmaceuticals; and clean-up material from spills of pharmaceuticals. This definition does not include dental amalgam or sharps.
Potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceutical means a prescription hazardous waste pharmaceutical that has a reasonable expectation to receive manufacturer credit and is—
(1) In original manufacturer packaging (except pharmaceuticals that were subject to a recall);
(2) Undispensed; and
(3) Unexpired or less than one year past expiration date. The term does not include evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals or nonprescription pharmaceuticals including, but not limited to, over-the-counter drugs, homeopathic drugs, and dietary supplements.
Reverse distributor means any person that receives and accumulates prescription pharmaceuticals that are potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals for the purpose of facilitating or verifying manufacturer credit. Any person, including forward distributors, third-party logistics providers, and pharmaceutical manufacturers, that processes prescription pharmaceuticals for the facilitation or verification of manufacturer credit is considered a reverse distributor.
§ 266.501   Applicability.
(a) A healthcare facility that is a very small quantity generator when counting all of its hazardous waste, including both its hazardous waste pharmaceuticals and its non-pharmaceutical hazardous waste, remains subject to § 262.14 and is not subject to this subpart, except for §§ 266.505 and 266.507 and the optional provisions of § 266.504.
(b) A healthcare facility that is a very small quantity generator when counting all of its hazardous waste, including both its hazardous waste pharmaceuticals and its non-pharmaceutical hazardous waste, has the option of complying with § 266.501(d) for the management of its hazardous waste pharmaceuticals as an alternative to complying with § 262.14 and the optional provisions of § 266.504.
(c) A healthcare facility or reverse distributor remains subject to all applicable hazardous waste regulations with respect to the management of its non-pharmaceutical hazardous waste.
(d) With the exception of healthcare facilities identified in paragraph (a) of this section, a healthcare facility is subject to the following in lieu of parts 262 through 265:
(1) Sections 266.502 and 266.505 through 266.508 of this subpart with respect to the management of:
(i) Non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals, and
(ii) Potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals if they are not destined for a reverse distributor.
(2) Sections 266.502(a), 266.503, 266.505 through 266.507, and 266.509 with respect to the management of potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals that are prescription pharmaceuticals and are destined for a reverse distributor.
(e) A reverse distributor is subject to §§ 266.505 through 266.510 of this subpart in lieu of parts 262 through 265 with respect to the management of hazardous waste pharmaceuticals.
(f) Hazardous waste pharmaceuticals generated or managed by entities other than healthcare facilities and reverse distributors ( e.g., pharmaceutical manufacturers and reverse logistics centers) are not subject to this subpart. Other generators are subject to 40 CFR part 262 for the generation and accumulation of hazardous wastes, including hazardous waste pharmaceuticals.
(g) The following are not subject to 40 CFR parts 260 through 273, except as specified:
(1) Pharmaceuticals that are not solid waste, as defined by § 261.2, because they are legitimately used/reused ( e.g., lawfully donated for their intended purpose) or reclaimed.
(2) Over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, or homeopathic drugs that are not solid wastes, as defined by § 261.2, because they have a reasonable expectation of being legitimately used/reused ( e.g., lawfully redistributed for their intended purpose) or reclaimed.
(3) Pharmaceuticals being managed in accordance with a recall strategy that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in accordance with 21 CFR part 7 subpart C. This subpart does apply to the management of the recalled hazardous waste pharmaceuticals after the Food and Drug Administration approves the destruction of the recalled items.
(4) Pharmaceuticals being managed in accordance with a recall corrective action plan that has been accepted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission in accordance with 16 CFR part 1115. This subpart does apply to the management of the recalled hazardous waste pharmaceuticals after the Consumer Product Safety Commission approves the destruction of the recalled items.
(5) Pharmaceuticals stored according to a preservation order, or during an investigation or judicial proceeding until after the preservation order, investigation, or judicial proceeding has concluded and/or a decision is made to discard the pharmaceuticals.
(6) Investigational new drugs for which an investigational new drug application is in effect in accordance with the Food and Drug Administration's regulations in 21 CFR part 312. This subpart does apply to the management of the investigational new drug after the decision is made to discard the investigational new drug or the Food and Drug Administration approves the destruction of the investigational new drug, if the investigational new drug is a hazardous waste.
(7) Household waste pharmaceuticals, including those that have been collected by an authorized collector (as defined by the Drug Enforcement Administration), provided the authorized collector complies with the conditional exemption in §§ 266.506(a)(2) and 266.506(b).
§ 266.502   Standards for healthcare facilities managing non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals.
(a) Notification and withdrawal from this subpart for healthcare facilities managing hazardous waste pharmaceuticals —(1) Notification. A healthcare facility must notify the EPA Regional Administrator, using the Site Identification Form (EPA Form 8700-12), that it is a healthcare facility operating under this subpart. A healthcare facility is not required to fill out Box 10.B. (Waste Codes for Federally Regulated Hazardous Waste) of the Site Identification Form with respect to its hazardous waste pharmaceuticals. A healthcare facility must submit a separate notification (Site Identification Form) for each site or EPA identification number.
(i) A healthcare facility that already has an EPA identification number must notify the EPA Regional Administrator, using the Site Identification Form (EPA Form 8700-12), that it is a healthcare facility as part of its next Biennial Report, if it is required to submit one; or if not required to submit a Biennial Report, within 60 days of the effective date of this subpart, or within 60 days of becoming subject to this subpart.
(ii) A healthcare facility that does not have an EPA identification number must obtain one by notifying the EPA Regional Administrator, using the Site Identification Form (EPA Form 8700-12), that it is a healthcare facility as part of its next Biennial Report, if it is required to submit one; or if not required to submit a Biennial Report, within 60 days of the effective date of this subpart, or within 60 days of becoming subject to this subpart.
(iii) A healthcare facility must keep a copy of its notification on file for as long as the healthcare facility is subject to this subpart.
(2) Withdrawal. A healthcare facility that operated under this subpart but is no longer subject to this subpart, because it is a very small quantity generator under § 262.14, and elects to withdraw from this subpart, must notify the appropriate EPA Regional Administrator using the Site Identification Form (EPA Form 8700-12) that it is no longer operating under this subpart. A healthcare facility is not required to fill out Box 10.B. (Waste Codes for Federally Regulated Hazardous Waste) of the Site Identification Form with respect to its hazardous waste pharmaceuticals. A healthcare facility must submit a separate notification (Site Identification Form) for each EPA identification number.
(i) A healthcare facility must submit the Site Identification Form notifying that it is withdrawing from this subpart before it begins operating under the conditional exemption of § 262.14.
(ii) A healthcare facility must keep a copy of its withdrawal on file for three years from the date of signature on the notification of its withdrawal.
(b) Training of personnel managing non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals at healthcare facilities. A healthcare facility must ensure that all personnel that manage non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals are thoroughly familiar with proper waste handling and emergency procedures relevant to their responsibilities during normal facility operations and emergencies.
(c) Hazardous waste determination for non-creditable pharmaceuticals. A healthcare facility that generates a solid waste that is a non-creditable pharmaceutical must determine whether that pharmaceutical is a hazardous waste pharmaceutical ( i.e., it exhibits a characteristic identified in 40 CFR part 261 subpart C or is listed in 40 CFR part 261 subpart D) in order to determine whether the waste is subject to this subpart. A healthcare facility may choose to manage its non-hazardous waste pharmaceuticals as non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals under this subpart.
(d) Standards for containers used to accumulate non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals at healthcare facilities. (1) A healthcare facility must place non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals in a container that is structurally sound, compatible with its contents, and that lacks evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage under reasonably foreseeable conditions.
(2) A healthcare facility that manages ignitable or reactive non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals, or that mixes or commingles incompatible non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals must manage the container so that it does not have the potential to:
(i) Generate extreme heat or pressure, fire or explosion, or violent reaction;
(ii) Produce uncontrolled toxic mists, fumes, dusts, or gases in sufficient quantities to threaten human health;
(iii) Produce uncontrolled flammable fumes or gases in sufficient quantities to pose a risk of fire or explosions;
(iv) Damage the structural integrity of the container of non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals; or
(v) Through other like means threaten human health or the environment.
(3) A healthcare facility must keep containers of non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals closed and secured in a manner that prevents unauthorized access to its contents.
(4) A healthcare facility may accumulate non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals and non-hazardous non-creditable waste pharmaceuticals in the same container, except that non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals prohibited from being combusted because of the dilution prohibition of § 268.3(c) of this subchapter ( i.e., metal-bearing waste codes listed in appendix XI of part 268 of this subchapter, unless one or more criteria in § 268.3(c)(1) through (6) are met), or because it is prohibited from being lab packed due to § 268.42(c) ( i.e., waste codes listed in appendix IV of part 268), must be accumulated in separate containers, and labeled with all applicable EPA hazardous waste numbers ( i.e., hazardous waste codes).
(e) Labeling containers used to accumulate non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals at healthcare facilities. A healthcare facility must label or clearly mark each container of non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals with the phrase “Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals.”
(f) Maximum accumulation time for non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals at healthcare facilities. (1) A healthcare facility may accumulate non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals on site for one year or less without a permit or having interim status.
(2) A healthcare facility that accumulates non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals on-site must demonstrate the length of time that the non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals have been accumulating, starting from the date it first becomes a waste. A healthcare facility may make this demonstration by any of the following methods:
(i) Marking or labeling the container of non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals with the date that the non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals became a waste;
(ii) Maintaining an inventory system that identifies the date the non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals being accumulated first became a waste;
(iii) Placing the non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals in a specific area and identifying the earliest date that any of the non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals in the area became a waste.
(g) Land disposal restrictions for non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals. The non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals generated by a healthcare facility are subject to the land disposal restrictions of 40 CFR part 268. A healthcare facility that generates non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals must comply with the land disposal restrictions in accordance with § 268.7(a) requirements, except that it is not required to identify the hazardous waste numbers ( i.e., hazardous waste codes) on the land disposal restrictions notification.
(h) Procedures for healthcare facilities for managing rejected shipments of non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals. A healthcare facility that sends a shipment of non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals to a designated facility with the understanding that the designated facility can accept and manage the waste, and later receives that shipment back as a rejected load in accordance with the manifest discrepancy provisions of § 264.72 or § 265.72 of this subchapter may accumulate the rejected non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals on site for up to an additional 90 calendar days provided the rejected shipment is managed in accordance with paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section. Upon receipt of the rejected shipment, the healthcare facility must:
(1) Sign either:
(i) Item 18c of the original manifest, if the original manifest was used for the returned shipment; or
(ii) Item 20 of the new manifest, if a new manifest was used for the returned shipment;
(2) Provide the transporter a copy of the manifest;
(3) Within 30 calendar days of receipt of the rejected shipment, send a copy of the manifest to the designated facility that returned the shipment to the healthcare facility; and
(4) Within 90 calendar days of receipt of the rejected shipment, transport or offer for transport the returned shipment in accordance with the shipping standards of § 266.508(a).
(i) Reporting by healthcare facilities for non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals —(1) Biennial reporting by healthcare facilities. Healthcare facilities are not subject to biennial reporting requirements under § 262.41, with respect to non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals managed under this subpart.
(2) Exception reporting by healthcare facilities for a missing copy of the manifest —(i) For shipments from a healthcare facility to a designated facility. (A) If a healthcare facility does not receive a copy of the manifest with the signature of the owner or operator of the designated facility within 60 calendar days of the date the non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals were accepted by the initial transporter, the healthcare facility must submit:
( 1 ) A legible copy of the original manifest, indicating that the healthcare facility has not received confirmation of delivery, to the EPA Regional Administrator for the Region in which the healthcare facility is located; and
( 2 ) A handwritten or typed note on the manifest itself, or on an attached sheet of paper, stating that the return copy was not received and explaining the efforts taken to locate the non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals and the results of those efforts.
(B) [Reserved]
(ii) For shipments rejected by the designated facility and shipped to an alternate facility. (A) If a healthcare facility does not receive a copy of the manifest for a rejected shipment of the non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals that is forwarded by the designated facility to an alternate facility (using appropriate manifest procedures), with the signature of the owner or operator of the alternate facility, within 60 calendar days of the date the non-creditable hazardous waste was accepted by the initial transporter forwarding the shipment of non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals from the designated facility to the alternate facility, the healthcare facility must submit:
( 1 ) A legible copy of the original manifest, indicating that the healthcare facility has not received confirmation of delivery, to the EPA Regional Administrator for the Region in which the healthcare facility is located; and
( 2 ) A handwritten or typed note on the manifest itself, or on an attached sheet of paper, stating that the return copy was not received and explaining the efforts taken to locate the non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals and the results of those efforts.
(B) [Reserved]
(3) Additional reports. The EPA Regional Administrator may require healthcare facilities to furnish additional reports concerning the quantities and disposition of non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals.
(j) Recordkeeping by healthcare facilities for non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals. (1) A healthcare facility must keep a copy of each manifest signed in accordance with § 262.23(a) for three years or until it receives a signed copy from the designated facility which received the non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals. This signed copy must be retained as a record for at least three years from the date the waste was accepted by the initial transporter.
(2) A healthcare facility must keep a copy of each exception report for a period of at least three years from the date of the report.
(3) A healthcare facility must keep records of any test results, waste analyses, or other determinations made to support its hazardous waste determination(s) consistent with § 262.11(f), for at least three years from the date the waste was last sent to on-site or off-site treatment, storage or disposal. A healthcare facility that manages all of its non-creditable non-hazardous waste pharmaceuticals as non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals is not required to keep documentation of hazardous waste determinations.
(4) The periods of retention referred to in this section are extended automatically during the course of any unresolved enforcement action regarding the regulated activity, or as requested by the EPA Regional Administrator.
(5) All records must be readily available upon request by an inspector.
(k) Response to spills of non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals at healthcare facilities. A healthcare facility must immediately contain all spills of non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals and manage the spill clean-up materials as non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals in accordance with the requirements of this subpart.
(l) Accepting non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals from an off-site healthcare facility that is a very small quantity generator. A healthcare facility may accept non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals from an off-site healthcare facility that is a very small quantity generator under § 262.14, without a permit or without having interim status, provided the receiving healthcare facility:
(1) Is under the control of the same person (as defined in § 260.10) as the very small quantity generator healthcare facility that is sending the non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals off-site (“control,” for the purposes of this section, means the power to direct the policies of the healthcare facility, whether by the ownership of stock, voting rights, or otherwise, except that contractors who operate healthcare facilities on behalf of a different person as defined in § 260.10 of this chapter shall not be deemed to “control” such healthcare facilities) or has a contractual or other documented business relationship whereby the receiving healthcare facility supplies pharmaceuticals to the very small quantity generator healthcare facility;
(2) Is operating under this subpart for the management of its non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals;
(3) Manages the non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals that it receives from off site in compliance with this subpart; and
(4) Keeps records of the non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals shipments it receives from off site for three years from the date that the shipment is received.
§ 266.503   Standards for healthcare facilities managing potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals.
(a) Hazardous waste determination for potentially creditable pharmaceuticals. A healthcare facility that generates a solid waste that is a potentially creditable pharmaceutical must determine whether the potentially creditable pharmaceutical is a potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceutical ( i.e., it is listed in 40 CFR part 261 subpart D or exhibits a characteristic identified in 40 CFR part 261 subpart C). A healthcare facility may choose to manage its potentially creditable non-hazardous waste pharmaceuticals as potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals under this subpart.
(b) Accepting potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals from an off-site healthcare facility that is a very small quantity generator. A healthcare facility may accept potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals from an off-site healthcare facility that is a very small quantity generator under § 262.14, without a permit or without having interim status, provided the receiving healthcare facility:
(1) Is under the control of the same person (as defined in § 260.10 of this subchapter) as the very small quantity generator healthcare facility that is sending the potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals off site (“control,” for the purposes of this section, means the power to direct the policies of the healthcare facility, whether by the ownership of stock, voting rights, or otherwise, except that contractors who operate healthcare facilities on behalf of a different person as defined in § 260.10 of this subchapter shall not be deemed to “control” such healthcare facilities) or has a contractual or other documented business relationship whereby the receiving healthcare facility supplies pharmaceuticals to the very small quantity generator healthcare facility;
(2) Is operating under this subpart for the management of its potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals;
(3) Manages the potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals that it receives from off site in compliance with this subpart; and
(4) Keeps records of the potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals shipments it receives from off site for three years from the date that the shipment is received.
(c) Prohibition. Healthcare facilities are prohibited from sending hazardous wastes other than potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals to a reverse distributor.
(d) Biennial Reporting by healthcare facilities. Healthcare facilities are not subject to biennial reporting requirements under § 262.41 with respect to potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals managed under this subpart.
(e) Recordkeeping by healthcare facilities. (1) A healthcare facility that initiates a shipment of potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals to a reverse distributor must keep the following records (paper or electronic) for each shipment of potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals for three years from the date of shipment:
(i) The confirmation of delivery; and
(ii) The shipping papers prepared in accordance with 49 CFR part 172 subpart C, if applicable.
(2) The periods of retention referred to in this section are extended automatically during the course of any unresolved enforcement action regarding the regulated activity, or as requested by the EPA Regional Administrator.
(3) All records must be readily available upon request by an inspector.
(f) Response to spills of potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals at healthcare facilities. A healthcare facility must immediately contain all spills of potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals and manage the spill clean-up materials as non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals in accordance with this subpart.
§ 266.504   Healthcare facilities that are very small quantity generators for both hazardous waste pharmaceuticals and non-pharmaceutical hazardous waste that are not operating under this subpart.
(a) Potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals. A healthcare facility that is a very small quantity generator for both hazardous waste pharmaceuticals and non-pharmaceutical hazardous waste may send its potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals to a reverse distributor.
(b) Off-site collection of hazardous waste pharmaceuticals generated by a healthcare facility that is a very small quantity generator. A healthcare facility that is a very small quantity generator for both hazardous waste pharmaceuticals and non-pharmaceutical hazardous waste may send its hazardous waste pharmaceuticals off site to another generator, provided:
(1) The receiving healthcare facility meets the conditions in § 266.502(l) of this subpart and § 266.503(b), as applicable; or
(2) The very small quantity generator healthcare facility meets the conditions in § 262.14(a)(5)(viii) and the receiving large quantity generator meets the conditions in § 262.17(f).
(c) Long-term care facilities that are very small quantity generators. A long-term care facility that is a very small quantity generator for both hazardous waste pharmaceuticals and non-pharmaceutical hazardous waste may dispose of its hazardous waste pharmaceuticals (excluding contaminated personal protective equipment or clean-up materials) in an on-site collection receptacle of an authorized collector (as defined by the Drug Enforcement Administration) that is registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration provided the contents are collected, stored, transported, destroyed and disposed of in compliance with all applicable Drug Enforcement Administration regulations for controlled substances.
(d) Long-term care facilities with 20 beds or fewer. A long-term care facility with 20 beds or fewer is presumed to be a very small quantity generator subject to § 262.14 for both hazardous waste pharmaceuticals and non-pharmaceutical hazardous waste and not subject to this subpart, except for §§ 266.505 and 266.507 and the other optional provisions of this section. The EPA Regional Administrator has the responsibility to demonstrate that a long-term care facility with 20 beds or fewer generates quantities of hazardous waste that are in excess of the very small quantity generator limits as defined in § 260.10. A long-term care facility with more than 20 beds that operates as a very small quantity generator under § 262.14 must demonstrate that it generates quantities of hazardous waste that are within the very small quantity generator limits as defined by § 260.10.
§ 266.505   Prohibition on sewering hazardous waste pharmaceuticals.
All healthcare facilities—including very small quantity generators operating under § 262.14 of this subchapter in lieu of this subpart—and reverse distributors are prohibited from discharging hazardous waste pharmaceuticals to a sewer system that passes through to a publicly-owned treatment works. Healthcare facilities and reverse distributors remain subject to the prohibitions in 40 CFR 403.5(b).
§ 266.506   Conditional exemption for hazardous waste pharmaceuticals that are also controlled substances and household waste pharmaceuticals collected by an authorized collector.
(a) Conditional exemptions. Provided the conditions of paragraph (b) of this section are met, the following are exempt from 40 CFR parts 262 through 273:
(1) Hazardous waste pharmaceuticals that are also listed on a schedule of controlled substances by the Drug Enforcement Administration in 21 CFR part 1308, and
(2) Household waste pharmaceuticals that are collected by an authorized collector (as defined by the Drug Enforcement Administration) registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration that commingles the household waste pharmaceuticals with controlled substances from an ultimate user (as defined by the Drug Enforcement Administration).
(b) Conditions for exemption. The hazardous waste pharmaceuticals must be:
(1) Managed in compliance with the sewer prohibition of § 266.505; and
(2) Collected, stored, transported, and disposed of in compliance with all applicable Drug Enforcement Administration regulations for controlled substances; and
(3) Destroyed by a method that Drug Enforcement Administration has publicly deemed in writing to meet their non-retrievable standard of destruction or combusted at one of the following:
(i) A permitted large municipal waste combustor, subject to 40 CFR part 62 subpart FFF or applicable state plan for existing large municipal waste combustors, or 40 CFR part 60 subparts Eb for new large municipal waste combustors; or
(ii) A permitted small municipal waste combustor, subject to 40 CFR part 62 subpart JJJ or applicable state plan for existing small municipal waste combustors, or 40 CFR part 60 subparts AAAA for new small municipal waste combustors; or
(iii) A permitted hospital, medical and infectious waste incinerator, subject to 40 CFR part 62, subpart HHH, or applicable state plan for existing hospital, medical and infectious waste incinerators, or 40 CFR part 60, subpart Ec, for new hospital, medical and infectious waste incinerators; or
(iv) A permitted commercial and industrial solid waste incinerator, subject to 40 CFR part 62, subpart III, or applicable state plan for existing commercial and industrial solid waste incinerators, or 40 CFR part 60, subpart CCCC, for new commercial and industrial solid waste incinerators; or
(v) A permitted hazardous waste combustor subject to 40 CFR part 63 subpart EEE.
§ 266.507   Residues of hazardous waste pharmaceuticals in empty containers.
(a) Stock, dispensing and unit-dose containers. A stock bottle, dispensing bottle, vial, or ampule (not to exceed 1 liter or 10,000 pills); or a unit-dose container ( e.g., a unit-dose packet, cup, wrapper, blister pack, or delivery device) is considered empty and the residues are not regulated as hazardous waste provided the pharmaceuticals have been removed from the stock bottle, dispensing bottle, vial, ampule, or the unit-dose container using the practices commonly employed to remove materials from that type of container.
(b) Syringes. A syringe is considered empty and the residues are not regulated as hazardous waste under this subpart provided the contents have been removed by fully depressing the plunger of the syringe. At healthcare facilities operating under this subpart, if a syringe is not empty, the syringe must be placed with its remaining hazardous waste pharmaceuticals into a container that is managed and disposed of as a non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceutical under this subpart and any applicable federal, state, and local requirements for sharps containers and medical waste.
(c) Intravenous (IV) bags. An IV bag is considered empty and the residues are not regulated as hazardous waste provided the pharmaceuticals in the IV bag have been fully administered to a patient, or if the IV bag held non-acute hazardous waste pharmaceuticals and is empty as defined in § 261.7(b)(1) of this subchapter. At healthcare facilities operating under this subpart, if an IV bag is not empty, the IV bag must be placed with its remaining hazardous waste pharmaceuticals into a container that is managed and disposed of as a non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceutical under this subpart.
(d) Other containers, including delivery devices. At healthcare facilities operating under this subpart, hazardous waste pharmaceuticals remaining in all other types of unused, partially administered, or fully administered containers must be managed as non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals under this subpart, unless the container held non-acute hazardous waste pharmaceuticals and is empty as defined in § 261.7(b)(1) or (2) of this subchapter. This includes, but is not limited to, residues in inhalers, aerosol cans, nebulizers, tubes of ointments, gels, or creams.
§ 266.508   Shipping non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals from a healthcare facility or evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals from a reverse distributor.
(a) Shipping non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals or evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals. A healthcare facility must ship non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals and a reverse distributor must ship evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals off-site to a designated facility (such as a permitted or interim status treatment, storage, or disposal facility) in compliance with:
(1) The following pre-transport requirements, before transporting or offering for transport off-site:
(i) Packaging. Package the waste in accordance with the applicable Department of Transportation regulations on hazardous materials under 49 CFR parts 173, 178, and 180.
(ii) Labeling. Label each package in accordance with the applicable Department of Transportation regulations on hazardous materials under 49 CFR part 172 subpart E.
(iii) Marking. (A) Mark each package of hazardous waste pharmaceuticals in accordance with the applicable Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations on hazardous materials under 49 CFR part 172 subpart D;
(B) Mark each container of 119 gallons or less used in such transportation with the following words and information in accordance with the requirements of 49 CFR 172.304:
HAZARDOUS WASTE—Federal Law Prohibits Improper Disposal. If found, contact the nearest police or public safety authority or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
(C) Lab packs that will be incinerated in compliance with § 268.42(c) of this subchapter are not required to be marked with EPA hazardous waste numbers ( i.e., hazardous waste codes), except D004, D005, D006, D007, D008, D010, and D011, where applicable. A nationally recognized electronic system, such as bar coding or radio frequency identification tag, may be used to identify the applicable EPA hazardous waste numbers ( i.e., hazardous waste codes).
(iv) Placarding. Placard or offer the initial transporter the appropriate placards according to Department of Transportation regulations for hazardous materials under 49 CFR part 172 subpart F.
(2) The manifest requirements of 40 CFR part 262 subpart B, except that:
(i) A healthcare facility shipping noncreditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals is not required to list all applicable EPA hazardous waste numbers ( i.e., hazardous waste codes) in Item 13 of EPA Form 8700-22.
(ii) A healthcare facility shipping non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals must write the word “PHRM” or “PHARMS” in Item 13 of EPA Form 8700-22. A healthcare facility may also include the applicable EPA hazardous waste numbers ( i.e., hazardous waste codes) in Item 13 of EPA Form 8700-22.
(b) Exporting non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals or evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals. A healthcare facility or reverse distributor that exports non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals or evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals is subject to 40 CFR part 262 subpart H.
(c) Importing non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals or evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals. Any person that imports non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals or evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals is subject to 40 CFR part 262 subpart H. A healthcare facility or reverse distributor may not accept imported non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals or evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals unless they have a permit or interim status that allows them to accept hazardous waste from off site.
§ 266.509   Shipping potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals from a healthcare facility or a reverse distributor to a reverse distributor.
(a) Shipping potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals. A healthcare facility or a reverse distributor who transports or offers for transport potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals off-site to a reverse distributor must comply with all applicable U.S. Department of Transportation regulations in 49 CFR part 171 through 180 for any potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceutical that meets the definition of hazardous material in 49 CFR 171.8. For purposes of the Department of Transportation regulations, a material is considered a hazardous waste if it is subject to the Hazardous Waste Manifest Requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency specified in 40 CFR part 262. Because a potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceutical does not require a manifest, it is not considered hazardous waste under the Department of Transportation regulations.
(b) Delivery confirmation. Upon receipt of each shipment of potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals, the receiving reverse distributor must provide confirmation (paper or electronic) to the healthcare facility or reverse distributor that initiated the shipment that the shipment of potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals has arrived at its destination and is under the custody and control of the reverse distributor.
(c) Procedures for when delivery confirmation is not received within 35 calendar days. If a healthcare facility or reverse distributor initiates a shipment of potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals to a reverse distributor and does not receive delivery confirmation within 35 calendar days from the date that the shipment of potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals was sent, the healthcare facility or reverse distributor that initiated the shipment must contact the carrier and the intended recipient ( i.e., the reverse distributor) promptly to report that the delivery confirmation was not received and to determine the status of the potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals.
(d) Exporting potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals. A healthcare facility or reverse distributor that sends potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals to a foreign destination must comply with the applicable sections of 40 CFR part 262 subpart H, except the manifesting requirement of § 262.83(c), in addition to paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section.
(e) Importing potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals. Any person that imports potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals into the United States is subject to paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section in lieu of 40 CFR part 262 subpart H. Immediately after the potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals enter the United States, they are subject to all applicable requirements of this subpart.
§ 266.510   Standards for the management of potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals and evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals at reverse distributors.
A reverse distributor may accept potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals from off site and accumulate potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals or evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals on site without a hazardous waste permit or without having interim status, provided that it complies with the following conditions:
(a) Standards for reverse distributors managing potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals and evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals —(1) Notification. A reverse distributor must notify the EPA Regional Administrator, using the Site Identification Form (EPA Form 8700-12), that it is a reverse distributor operating under this subpart.
(i) A reverse distributor that already has an EPA identification number must notify the EPA Regional Administrator, using the Site Identification Form (EPA Form 8700-12), that it is a reverse distributor, as defined in § 266.500, within 60 days of the effective date of this subpart, or within 60 days of becoming subject to this subpart.
(ii) A reverse distributor that does not have an EPA identification number must obtain one by notifying the EPA Regional Administrator, using the Site Identification Form (EPA Form 8700-12), that it is a reverse distributor, as defined in § 266.500, within 60 days of the effective date of this subpart, or within 60 days of becoming subject to this subpart.
(2) Inventory by the reverse distributor. A reverse distributor must maintain a current inventory of all the potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals and evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals that are accumulated on site.
(i) A reverse distributor must inventory each potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceutical within 30 calendar days of each waste arriving at the reverse distributor.
(ii) The inventory must include the identity ( e.g., name or national drug code) and quantity of each potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceutical and evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceutical.
(iii) If the reverse distributor already meets the inventory requirements of this paragraph because of other regulatory requirements, such as State Board of Pharmacy regulations, the facility is not required to provide a separate inventory pursuant to this section.
(3) Evaluation by a reverse distributor that is not a manufacturer. A reverse distributor that is not a pharmaceutical manufacturer must evaluate a potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceutical within 30 calendar days of the waste arriving at the reverse distributor to establish whether it is destined for another reverse distributor for further evaluation or verification of manufacturer credit or for a permitted or interim status treatment, storage, or disposal facility.
(i) A potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceutical that is destined for another reverse distributor is still considered a “potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceutical” and must be managed in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section.
(ii) A potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceutical that is destined for a permitted or interim status treatment, storage or disposal facility is considered an “evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceutical” and must be managed in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section.
(4) Evaluation by a reverse distributor that is a manufacturer. A reverse distributor that is a pharmaceutical manufacturer must evaluate a potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceutical to verify manufacturer credit within 30 calendar days of the waste arriving at the facility and following the evaluation must manage the evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section.
(5) Maximum accumulation time for hazardous waste pharmaceuticals at a reverse distributor. (i) A reverse distributor may accumulate potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals and evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals on site for 180 calendar days or less. The 180 days start after the potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceutical has been evaluated and applies to all hazardous waste pharmaceuticals accumulated on site, regardless of whether they are destined for another reverse distributor ( i.e., potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals) or a permitted or interim status treatment, storage, or disposal facility ( i.e., evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals).
(ii) Aging pharmaceuticals. Unexpired pharmaceuticals that are otherwise creditable but are awaiting their expiration date ( i.e., aging in a holding morgue) can be accumulated for up to 180 days after the expiration date, provided that the unexpired pharmaceuticals are managed in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section and the container labeling and management standards in 266.510(c)(4)(i) through (vi).
(6) Security at the reverse distributor facility. A reverse distributor must prevent unknowing entry and minimize the possibility for the unauthorized entry into the portion of the facility where potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals and evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals are kept.
(i) Examples of methods that may be used to prevent unknowing entry and minimize the possibility for unauthorized entry include, but are not limited to:
(A) A 24-hour continuous monitoring surveillance system;
(B) An artificial barrier such as a fence; or
(C) A means to control entry, such as keycard access.
(ii) If the reverse distributor already meets the security requirements of this paragraph because of other regulatory requirements, such as Drug Enforcement Administration or State Board of Pharmacy regulations, the facility is not required to provide separate security measures pursuant to this section.
(7) Contingency plan and emergency procedures at a reverse distributor. A reverse distributor that accepts potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals from off site must prepare a contingency plan and comply with the other requirements of 40 CFR part 262 subpart M.
(8) Closure of a reverse distributor. When closing an area where a reverse distributor accumulates potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals or evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals, the reverse distributor must comply with § 262.17(a)(8)(ii) and (iii).
(9) Reporting by a reverse distributor —(i) Unauthorized waste report. A reverse distributor must submit an unauthorized waste report if the reverse distributor receives waste from off site that it is not authorized to receive ( e.g., non-pharmaceutical hazardous waste, regulated medical waste). The reverse distributor must prepare and submit an unauthorized waste report to the EPA Regional Administrator within 45 calendar days after the unauthorized waste arrives at the reverse distributor and must send a copy of the unauthorized waste report to the healthcare facility (or other entity) that sent the unauthorized waste. The reverse distributor must manage the unauthorized waste in accordance with all applicable regulations. The unauthorized waste report must be signed by the owner or operator of the reverse distributor, or its authorized representative, and contain the following information:
(A) The EPA identification number, name and address of the reverse distributor;
(B) The date the reverse distributor received the unauthorized waste;
(C) The EPA identification number, name, and address of the healthcare facility (or other entity) that shipped the unauthorized waste, if available;
(D) A description and the quantity of each unauthorized waste the reverse distributor received;
(E) The method of treatment, storage, or disposal for each unauthorized waste; and
(F) A brief explanation of why the waste was unauthorized, if known.
(ii) Additional reports. The EPA Regional Administrator may require reverse distributors to furnish additional reports concerning the quantities and disposition of potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals and evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals.
(10) Recordkeeping by reverse distributors. A reverse distributor must keep the following records (paper or electronic) readily available upon request by an inspector. The periods of retention referred to in this section are extended automatically during the course of any unresolved enforcement action regarding the regulated activity, or as requested by the EPA Regional Administrator.
(i) A copy of its notification on file for as long as the facility is subject to this subpart;
(ii) A copy of the delivery confirmation and the shipping papers for each shipment of potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals that it receives, and a copy of each unauthorized waste report, for at least three years from the date the shipment arrives at the reverse distributor;
(iii) A copy of its current inventory for as long as the facility is subject to this subpart.
(b) Additional standards for reverse distributors managing potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals destined for another reverse distributor. A reverse distributor that does not have a permit or interim status must comply with the following conditions, in addition to the requirements in paragraph (a) of this section, for the management of potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals that are destined for another reverse distributor for further evaluation or verification of manufacturer credit:
(1) A reverse distributor that receives potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals from a healthcare facility must send those potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals to another reverse distributor within 180 calendar days after the potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals have been evaluated or follow paragraph (c) of this section for evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals.
(2) A reverse distributor that receives potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals from another reverse distributor must send those potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals to a reverse distributor that is a pharmaceutical manufacturer within 180 calendar days after the potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals have been evaluated or follow paragraph (c) of this section for evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals.
(3) A reverse distributor must ship potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals destined for another reverse distributor in accordance with § 266.509.
(4) Recordkeeping by reverse distributors. A reverse distributor must keep the following records (paper or electronic) readily available upon request by an inspector for each shipment of potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals that it initiates to another reverse distributor, for at least three years from the date of shipment. The periods of retention referred to in this section are extended automatically during the course of any unresolved enforcement action regarding the regulated activity, or as requested by the EPA Regional Administrator.
(i) The confirmation of delivery; and
(ii) The DOT shipping papers prepared in accordance with 49 CFR part 172 subpart C, if applicable
(c) Additional standards for reverse distributors managing evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals. A reverse distributor that does not have a permit or interim status must comply with the following conditions, in addition to the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, for the management of evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals:
(1) Accumulation area at the reverse distributor. A reverse distributor must designate an on-site accumulation area where it will accumulate evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals.
(2) Inspections of on-site accumulation area. A reverse distributor must inspect its on-site accumulation area at least once every seven calendar days, looking at containers for leaks and for deterioration caused by corrosion or other factors, as well as for signs of diversion.
(3) Personnel training at a reverse distributor. Personnel at a reverse distributor that handle evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals are subject to the training requirements of § 262.17(a)(7).
(4) Labeling and management of containers at on-site accumulation areas. A reverse distributor accumulating evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals in containers in an on-site accumulation area must:
(i) Label the containers with the words, “hazardous waste pharmaceuticals”;
(ii) Ensure the containers are in good condition and managed to prevent leaks;
(iii) Use containers that are made of or lined with materials which will not react with, and are otherwise compatible with, the evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals, so that the ability of the container to contain the waste is not impaired;
(iv) Keep containers closed, if holding liquid or gel evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals. If the liquid or gel evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals are in their original, intact, sealed packaging; or repackaged, intact, sealed packaging, they are considered to meet the closed container standard;
(v) Manage any container of ignitable or reactive evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals, or any container of commingled incompatible evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals so that the container does not have the potential to:
(A) Generate extreme heat or pressure, fire or explosion, or violent reaction;
(B) Produce uncontrolled toxic mists, fumes, dusts, or gases in sufficient quantities to threaten human health;
(C) Produce uncontrolled flammable fumes or gases in sufficient quantities to pose a risk of fire or explosions;
(D) Damage the structural integrity of the container of hazardous waste pharmaceuticals; or
(E) Through other like means threaten human health or the environment; and
(vi) Accumulate evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals that are prohibited from being combusted because of the dilution prohibition of § 268.3(c) of this subchapter ( i.e., metal-bearing waste codes listed in appendix XI of part 268 of this subchapter, unless one or more criteria in § 268.3(c)(1) through (6) are met), or because it is prohibited from being lab packed due to § 268.42(c) of this subchapter ( i.e., waste codes listed in appendix IV of part 268 of this subchapter), in separate containers from other evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals at the reverse distributor.
(5) Hazardous waste numbers. Prior to shipping evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals off site, all containers must be marked with the applicable EPA hazardous waste numbers ( i.e., hazardous waste codes), except as provided in § 266.508(a)(1)(iii)(C). A nationally recognized electronic system, such as bar coding or radio frequency identification tag, may be used to identify the applicable EPA hazardous waste numbers ( i.e., hazardous waste codes).
(6) Shipments. A reverse distributor must ship evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals that are destined for a permitted or interim status treatment, storage or disposal facility in accordance with the applicable shipping standards in § 266.508(a) or (b).
(7) Procedures for a reverse distributor for managing rejected shipments. A reverse distributor that sends a shipment of evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals to a designated facility with the understanding that the designated facility can accept and manage the waste, and later receives that shipment back as a rejected load in accordance with the manifest discrepancy provisions of § 264.72 or § 265.72 of this subchapter, may accumulate the rejected evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals on site for up to an additional 90 calendar days in the on-site accumulation area provided the rejected shipment is managed in accordance with paragraphs (a) and (c) of this section. Upon receipt of the rejected shipment, the reverse distributor must:
(i) Sign either:
(A) Item 18c of the original manifest, if the original manifest was used for the returned shipment; or
(B) Item 20 of the new manifest, if a new manifest was used for the returned shipment;
(ii) Provide the transporter a copy of the manifest;
(iii) Within 30 calendar days of receipt of the rejected shipment of the evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals, send a copy of the manifest to the designated facility that returned the shipment to the reverse distributor; and
(iv) Within 90 calendar days of receipt of the rejected shipment, transport or offer for transport the returned shipment of evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals in accordance with the applicable shipping standards of § 266.508(a) or (b).
(8) Land disposal restrictions. Evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals are subject to the land disposal restrictions of 40 CFR part 268. A reverse distributor that accepts potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals from off site must comply with the land disposal restrictions in accordance with § 268.7(a) requirements.
(9) Reporting by a reverse distributor for evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals —(i) Biennial reporting by a reverse distributor. A reverse distributor that ships evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals off-site must prepare and submit a single copy of a biennial report to the EPA Regional Administrator by March 1 of each even numbered year in accordance with § 262.41.
(ii) Exception reporting by a reverse distributor for a missing copy of the manifest.
(A) For shipments from a reverse distributor to a designated facility. ( 1 ) If a reverse distributor does not receive a copy of the manifest with the signature of the owner or operator of the designated facility within 35 calendar days of the date the evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals were accepted by the initial transporter, the reverse distributor must contact the transporter or the owner or operator of the designated facility to determine the status of the evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals.
( 2 ) A reverse distributor must submit an exception report to the EPA Regional Administrator for the Region in which the reverse distributor is located if it has not received a copy of the manifest with the signature of the owner or operator of the designated facility within 45 calendar days of the date the evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceutical was accepted by the initial transporter. The exception report must include:
( i ) A legible copy of the manifest for which the reverse distributor does not have confirmation of delivery; and
( ii ) A cover letter signed by the reverse distributor, or its authorized representative, explaining the efforts taken to locate the evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals and the results of those efforts.
(B) For shipments rejected by the designated facility and shipped to an alternate facility. ( 1 ) A reverse distributor that does not receive a copy of the manifest with the signature of the owner or operator of the alternate facility within 35 calendar days of the date the evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals were accepted by the initial transporter must contact the transporter or the owner or operator of the alternate facility to determine the status of the hazardous waste. The 35-day timeframe begins the date the evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals are accepted by the transporter forwarding the hazardous waste shipment from the designated facility to the alternate facility.
( 2 ) A reverse distributor must submit an Exception Report to the EPA Regional Administrator for the Region in which the reverse distributor is located if it has not received a copy of the manifest with the signature of the owner or operator of the alternate facility within 45 calendar days of the date the evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals were accepted by the initial transporter. The 45-day timeframe begins the date the evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals are accepted by the transporter forwarding the hazardous waste pharmaceutical shipment from the designated facility to the alternate facility. The Exception Report must include:
( i ) A legible copy of the manifest for which the reverse distributor does not have confirmation of delivery; and
( ii ) A cover letter signed by the reverse distributor, or its authorized representative, explaining the efforts taken to locate the evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals and the results of those efforts.
(10) Recordkeeping by a reverse distributor for evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals. (i) A reverse distributor must keep a log (written or electronic) of the inspections of the on-site accumulation area, required by paragraph (c)(2) of this section. This log must be retained as a record for at least three years from the date of the inspection.
(ii) A reverse distributor must keep a copy of each manifest signed in accordance with § 262.23(a) for three years or until it receives a signed copy from the designated facility that received the evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceutical. This signed copy must be retained as a record for at least three years from the date the evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceutical was accepted by the initial transporter.
(iii) A reverse distributor must keep a copy of each biennial report for at least three years from the due date of the report.
(iv) A reverse distributor must keep a copy of each exception report for at least three years from the submission of the report.
(v) A reverse distributor must keep records to document personnel training, in accordance with § 262.17(a)(7)(iv).
(vi) All records must be readily available upon request by an inspector. The periods of retention referred to in this section are extended automatically during the course of any unresolved enforcement action regarding the regulated activity, or as requested by the EPA Regional Administrator.
(d) When a reverse distributor must have a permit. A reverse distributor is an operator of a hazardous waste treatment, storage, or disposal facility and is subject to the requirements of 40 CFR parts 264, 265, and 267 and the permit requirements of 40 CFR part 270, if the reverse distributor:
(1) Does not meet the conditions of this section;
(2) Accepts manifested hazardous waste from off site; or
(3) Treats or disposes of hazardous waste pharmaceuticals on site.
§ 266.600   Purpose and applicability.
(a) The purpose of this subpart is to reduce emissions of ignitable spent refrigerants to the lowest achievable level by maximizing the recovery and safe recycling for reuse of such refrigerants during the service, repair, and disposal of appliances.
(b) The requirements of this subpart operate in lieu of parts 260 through 270 of this chapter and apply to lower flammability spent refrigerants, as defined in § 266.601, where the refrigerant exhibits the hazardous waste characteristic of ignitability per § 261.21 of this chapter and is being recycled for reuse in the United States.
(c) These requirements do not apply to other ignitable spent refrigerants. Ignitable spent refrigerants not subject to this subpart are subject to all applicable requirements of parts 260 through 270 of this chapter when recovered ( i.e., removed from an appliance and stored in an external container) and/or disposed of.
§ 266.601   Definitions for this subpart.
For the purposes of this subpart, the following terms have the meanings given below:
(a) Refrigerant has the same meaning as defined in 40 CFR 82.152.
(b) Ignitable spent refrigerant is a used refrigerant that cannot be reused without first being processed, and that exhibits the hazardous characteristic of ignitability per § 261.21 of this chapter. Used refrigerants that can be legitimately reused without processing are not spent refrigerant.
(c) Recycle for reuse, when referring to an ignitable spent refrigerant, means to process the refrigerant to remove contamination and prepare it to be used again. “Recycle for reuse” does not include recycling that involves burning for energy recovery or use in a manner constituting disposal as defined in § 261.2(c) of this chapter, or sham recycling as defined in § 261.2(g) of this chapter.
(d) Lower flammability spent refrigerant means a spent refrigerant that is not considered highly flammable. Highly flammable refrigerants include but are not limited to the following chemicals: butane, isobutane, methane, propane, and/or propylene.
§ 266.602   Standards for ignitable spent refrigerant recycled for reuse under this subpart.
(a) Persons who recover ( i.e., remove from an appliance and store in an external container) and/or recycle ignitable spent refrigerants for reuse either for further use in equipment of the same owner, or in compliance with motor vehicle air conditioner (MVAC) standards in 40 CFR part 82, subpart B, or who send recovered refrigerant off-site to be recycled for reuse must:
(1) Recover and/or recycle for reuse the ignitable spent refrigerant using equipment that is certified for that type of refrigerant and appliance under §§ 82.36 and/or 82.158 of this chapter; and
(2) Not speculatively accumulate the ignitable spent refrigerant per § 261.1(c) of this chapter.
(b) Persons who receive ignitable spent refrigerants from off-site, and are not a transfer facility that stores the refrigerants for less than ten (10) days before sending the refrigerant to another site to be recycled for reuse, must:
(1) If recovering the refrigerant, recover the ignitable spent refrigerant using equipment that is certified for that type of refrigerant and appliance under § 82.36 of this chapter;
(2) Meet the applicable emergency preparedness and response requirements of 40 CFR part 261, subpart M; and
(3) Not speculatively accumulate the ignitable spent refrigerant per § 261.1(c) of this chapter.
(c) Persons receiving ignitable spent refrigerant from off-site to be recycled for reuse under this subpart must:
(1) Maintain certification by EPA under § 82.164 of this chapter;
(2) Meet the applicable emergency preparedness and response requirements of 40 CFR part 261, subpart M; and
(3) Starting with the calendar year beginning January 1, 2029, not speculatively accumulate the ignitable spent refrigerant per § 261.1(c) of this chapter.