Chemotherapy Disposal

The color of the container for Chemotherapy waste depends largely on whether it is "Trace" amounts or "Bulk" amounts of Chemotherapy waste. Trace amounts of chemotherapy drug residue, i.e. less than 3% of the original volume, should be disposed of in a yellow Chemotherapy container correctly labelled and approved for collection of chemotherapy substances. Bulk amounts of chemotherapy drugs, including half-empty IV bags, vials or syringes, must be disposed of in a black RCRA hazardous waste container.

State and federal regulations mandate that chemotherapy waste must be processed by incineration treatment only and that approved chemotherapy containers and liners be utilized for disposal and transport.

Bulk chemotherapy waste is classified as RCRA hazardous waste and is defined as a chemotherapy drug that has more than 3% by volume of the drug remaining. All bulk chemotherapy waste must be managed as RCRA hazardous waste and collected in a RCRA defined chemotherapy waste disposal container or bin. It is a violation of the Dangerous Waste Regulations to dispose of these pharmaceuticals in the sewer, sharps container, or a regulated medical waste container.

The term “bulk” chemotherapy is defined as chemo waste that exceeds 3% by volume and is considered a RCRA hazardous waste. Full bags or bottles and P-listed chemotherapy drugs fall under RCRA hazardous waste regulations and must be disposed of as hazardous waste. This must be disposed of as a hazardous waste and no in a Chemosmart chemotherapy container. Bulk Chemotherapy Waste includes - Any non-empty containers of chemotherapy medicine, including IV bags, bottles and tubing. - Chemotherapy waste that is designated as RCRA hazardous waste or State-only dangerous waste. - All containers or IV bags and tubing once containing a P-Listed RCRA material, including Arsenic Trioxide. - Any materials used to clean up a chemotherapy