Waste » Residential » Medical Waste » Inhaler
Inhalers come in a variety of forms. The most commonly seen are either aerosol metered-dose inhalers, which contain a chemical propellant, or a dry powder inhaler. The aerosol metered-dose inhalers with chloro-fluorocarbons (CFC) as the propellant are being phased out of production by the US FDA by the end of 2013, 21 CFR Part 2.
Unused inhalers: Discontinued, outdated or unused and unopened, the product should be returned to the pharmacy to determine if it can be returned for credit with the Reverse Distributers. If it can’t be returned for credit, it is a non-viable pharmaceutical waste inhaler.
Partially used inhalers: When products have been opened and only partially used they become a non-viable pharmaceutical waste.
Empty inhalers: Empty inhalers contain no product and no pressure. For designation and waste management, please see Specific Wastes: Empty containers
Viable inhalers: inhalers that are eligible for credit from a manufacturer, wholesaler, or reverse distributor are a viable pharmaceutical and not considered waste. Viable pharmaceuticals include any unused and/or unopened pharmaceutical that receive a credit. Items not receiving a credit must be managed as a non-viable waste
RCRA hazardous waste: Dispose as a dangerous waste at a RCRA-permitted facility.
Note: It is a violation of the Dangerous Waste Regulations to dispose of these pharmaceuticals in the sewer, in a sharps container, or in a regulated medical waste container destined for landfill.
.
