.
Stericycle’s EPA Knowledge Center
.
Last updated September 24, 2021
An Overview of Healthcare Related EPA Regulations
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a long history of regulating the disposal of pharmaceuticals, specifically through its enforcement of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the public law that creates the framework for the proper management of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste.
Our EPA knowledge center is intended to keep the healthcare community informed on EPA regulations regarding pharmaceutical and other hazardous wastes generated in healthcare facilities. While not exhaustive, we hope it serves as a useful resource center and overview of related regulations and guidance by governing bodies. It’s critical for healthcare organizations to also stay abreast of local and state regulations on the generation and management of all wastes generated within their facilities.
Help Customers Stay EPA Compliant for Over 30 Years
For over 30 years, Stericycle has steadfastly strived to help keep our customers safe, compliant, while promoting sustainability. Our mission is rooted in protecting human health and well-being for the businesses and communities we serve. With that, we have a deep connection and respect for the EPA’s mission.
EPA works to ensure that:
- Americans have clean air, land and water;
- National efforts to reduce environmental risks are based on the best available scientific information;
- Federal laws protecting human health and the environment are administered and enforced fairly, effectively and as Congress intended;
- Environmental stewardship is integral to U.S. policies concerning natural resources, human health, economic growth, energy, transportation, agriculture, industry, and international trade, and these factors are similarly considered in establishing environmental policy;
- All parts of society--communities, individuals, businesses, and state, local and tribal governments--have access to accurate information sufficient to effectively participate in managing human health and environmental risks;
- Contaminated lands and toxic sites are cleaned up by potentially responsible parties and revitalized; and
- Chemicals in the marketplace are reviewed for safety.
Stericycle was a pioneer of eco-conscious pharmaceutical disposal and to this day, we’re committed to the innovation of new products and services to help our client-partners reach their sustainability goals while properly disposing waste.
Together, we can prevent pharmaceutical waste from contaminating the environment and entering our waterways.
