On February 22, 2019, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals Rule that prohibits the discharge of any hazardous waste pharmaceutical or Drug Enforcement Agency controlled substance to the sanitary sewer (e.g., no disposal down the drain and no flushing). This notification is to inform businesses of the obligations under Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulation Part 266, Standards for the Management of Specific Hazardous Wastes.

Hazardous Waste Pharmaceutical means a pharmaceutical that is a solid waste (includes liquids), as defined in 40 CFR Section 261.2 and exhibits one or more characteristics identified in part 261 subpart C or is a listed hazardous waste in part 261 subpart D.

This regulation applies to all healthcare related facilities. Examples of healthcare facilities that are prohibited from discharging Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals include, but are not limited to: hospitals, ambulance services, ambulatory surgical centers, chiropractors, dental providers, health clinics, long-term care facilities, military medical logistics facilities, optical providers, pharmacies (including long-term care and mail order), physician offices, psychiatric hospitals, pharmaceutical retailers and wholesalers, 3rd party logistics providers, and veterinary clinics.

No healthcare facility shall discharge hazardous waste or prohibited pharmaceuticals to the City of Henderson (city) sanitary sewer system. Discharge of such hazardous wastes are a violation of the Pretreatment Regulations specified in Henderson Municipal Code (HMC) 14.09.030. If any commercial, government or industry discharges a hazardous waste to the city’s sewer system they must report such discharges as specified in HMC 14.09.150.K.

For more information on the Management Standards for Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals, view the Frequently Asked Questions.

If you have any questions regarding this notice, please contact Pretreatment at COHPT@cityofhenderson.com or 702-267-2603, Monday through Friday from 6:00am until 4:00pm.