This form is for:
- organizations collecting waste medications from residents; or
- for the installation a permanent waste medication collection kiosk at a pharmacy or long-term care facility; or
- for a permanent residential waste medication collection kiosk at a police station.
- Please note:
- You may save this form and return to it later by clicking the link at the bottom of this form.
- A copy of your submittal will be emailed to the address in the Applicant Information section.
- If you have any questions, email BawDrugTakeback@mass.gov
Purpose of Event, Waiver & Rationale
Residential waste medications collected through the program identified below will be diverted from disposal in wastewater (via flushing) and will be destroyed/disposed at the permitted solid waste facility identified below. Destruction/disposal at a permitted solid waste management facility is more environmentally protective than disposal in wastewater. This program will also protect public safety by making waste medications unavailable to people who should not take them.
By submitting this form, your organization is applying for a waiver of the Massachusetts requirement to classify residential waste medications collected at the event described below as “hazardous waste” and the associated requirements for managing “household hazardous wastes” in accordance with 310 CMR 30.1100:
- This waiver would apply to a state requirement that is more stringent than the federal hazardous waste requirement for this waste stream. Under 40 CFR 261.4(b)(1), wastes generated by households are exempt from the requirements of Subtitle C of the U.S. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
- Data from similar events indicates that only 10 to15 percent of the waste medications collected are classified as “hazardous waste.” When properly contained, managed and directed to a permitted Massachusetts solid waste facility, this quantity of waste medication is insignificant as a potential hazard to public health, safety, welfare and the environment.
- Waste medications to be collected at this event will be managed in accordance with U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) requirements (21 CFR 1307.21) and would therefore be considered to be “adequately regulated” by another government agency.