EPA Regulated Medical Waste Solutions for Nicotine Devices

12 Sep EPA Regulated Medical Waste Solutions for Nicotine Devices

Nicotine Disposal Rule Change

Regulated medical waste solutions must adhere to the EPA and other various agencies for a wide array of refuse. E-cigarettes or nicotine electronic devices are no exception. Disposing of nicotine devices has always been a grey area within the field of regulated medical waste solutions. They’re a great product to help people quit smoking cigarettes, but what happens when it’s time to dispose of them? Where do those chemicals go? Are they harmful to the environment? All of these questions will be answered in the following article regarding proper regulated medical waste solutions and nicotine devices.

There has been an update to the amendment related to the disposal of specific small nicotine replacement products.

Any nicotine product was once considered to be a hazardous waste. If the product goes unused and the time comes to dispose of it, it is regarded as an RCRA hazardous waste. The disposal requirements may change based upon the nicotine device and how it has been used.

Past regulations have stated that any nicotine product with nicotine or nicotine-salts as a sole ingredient must be treated and disposed of as a hazardous waste product.

However, there has been an update to the amendment stating that some FDA-approved devices sold over the counter will no longer be considered hazardous waste. An example of this type of waste would be any nicotine patch therapy that has been opened but not used. With patch replacement therapy, nicotine gum and nicotine lozenges are no longer considered hazardous waste. If they were deemed hazardous waste, they would face specific disposal processes.

The EPA released a statement explaining how these products did not meet the criteria of acute waste. The EPA says that all nicotine replacement therapy products may now be tossed into any regular garbage can and refuse.

The new update to the amendment only relates specifically to the disposal of some small nicotine replacement products. This amendment does not affect the rules for nicotine disposal of other items.

The following is a list of all nicotine items still considered hazardous waste if they go unused and must be disposed of properly.

• Any type of nicotine prescribed inhaler or spray for your nasal passages
• E-liquid used in e-cigs, including pods
• Any type of nicotine that has been used for research
• Any type of old pesticide that may include nicotine in it

Through following the proper EPA channels of disposal of these nicotine items, the harmful chemicals found in nicotine cartridges and nicotine alone can effectively be circumvented from winding up in landfills. Thus, avoiding chemical leakages into the soil and ultimately runoff to water sources.

If present in nature, the presence of these nicotine-related chemicals can have cascading effects on the health of the ecosystem. EPA regulations for disposal help ensure the avoidance of this issue.

BioSecure waste is eco-conscious, following EPA guidelines to a T. They’re guaranteed to handle all your waste needs and dispel any concerns or hassles you may have. It’s paramount to adhere to  EPA regulated medical waste solutions to protect the environment from harmful chemicals and substances.