Disposal of hazardous pharmaceuticals

The literature contains very little information regarding the disposal of pharmaceuticals. This article examines this topic from the viewpoint of hospital pharmacists. Environmental, safety and legal factors are discussed. Of the three most common disposal methods available (i.e. sewer, landfill, and incineration), incineration is the preferred method of destruction. If this method is unavailable, discriminate disposal via the sewer or garbage (landfill) systems is acceptable. Special disposal precautions are discussed for biologicals (autoclaving and then incineration), antineoplastics (incineration or neutralization before disposal via sewer or landfill systems), and radiopharmaceuticals (disposal according to the recommendations of the Atomic Energy Control Board).