Purpose of the interim enforcement policy Q: Why is Ecology picking on hospitals and the healthcare industry? Why the new regulations?
The healthcare industry may feel that Ecology has come up with new regulations and requirements for them, but in reality these requirements have been in effect for more than two decades. The Dangerous Waste Regulations [Chapter 173-303 WAC] apply to all businesses in Washington State that generate dangerous waste such as small family owned businesses, large international manufacturers and government/military facilities. In the realm of healthcare, this includes hospitals, retail pharmacies, healthcare clinics, doctor’s offices, dental offices, and veterinary clinics and hospitals. These state regulations have been in effect since 1982. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is the federal regulation, which became effective in 1976, that encompasses all solid waste and hazardous waste. The Interim Enforcement Policy for Pharmaceutical Waste in Healthcare (Policy) clarifies the requirements as they pertain specifically to pharmaceutical waste. Within its enforcement discretion
