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Pharmaceutical Waste

Updated this week

PureWay provides simple, scalable, and cost-effective waste disposal services for businesses and healthcare facilities of any size, with coverage across more than 200,000 locations nationwide. Check availability in your area through this link.


Controlled Substances

A drug or chemical whose manufacture, possession, or use is regulated by a government agency, such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The possession and disposal of these substances are strictly controlled. Below are the schedules for controlled substances:

  • Schedule I Drugs
    High potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, such as the following:

    • Heroin

    • LSD

    • Ecstasy

  • Schedule II Drugs
    Some of the examples of Schedule II Drugs are narcotics such as:

    • Oxycontin

    • Propofol

    • Percocet

    • Fentanyl

  • Schedule III Drugs
    These drugs are low-level narcotics such as:

    • Vicodin

    • Tylenol III (Codeine)

    • Ketamine

  • Schedule IV Drugs
    These drugs have a low potential for abuse, such as Cough Suppressants with Codeine.

Note: All controlled substance containers, including bottles and vials, will display a controlled substance icon (a large ‘C’) indicating the schedule level.


Boomerang Pak Kit

The Boomerang Pak Kit is a safe and simple solution for properly collecting small quantities of unwanted, unused, or expired pharmaceuticals and securely transporting these materials to a facility where they are evaluated for credit.

Specifically designed to handle both controlled and non-controlled pharmaceutical products, the kit is ideal for small quantity generators of pharmaceutical waste, as defined by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) under the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 262, as Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQG) or Very Small Quantity Generators (VSQG).

This solution is suitable for a wide range of facilities, including pharmacies, long-term care facilities, assisted living centers, hospice care providers, EMTs, veterinarians, and more. The Boomerang Pak Kit includes the following:

  • Pre-paid, self-addressed, USPS-approved returnable container.

  • Two extra-thick poly liners: one for controlled substances and one for non-controlled drug products.

  • Return manifest included.

  • Tamper-evident seal system.

  • Complete instructions for accessing the RP Returns Web Portal.

  • Guidelines for handling controlled substances.

  • Detailed information about RP Returns.

And for the waste disposal includes the following:

  • Tracking and reporting of destruction through a customized landing page to obtain the Certificate of Destruction.

  • Secure transportation.

  • Reporting in compliance with DEA and EPA regulations.


How It Works

To know the process of doing the pharmaceutical waste, kindly do these steps below.

  1. Buy a Boomerang Pak
    Buy a Boomerang Pak and log in to the RP Returns Customer Portal to create and submit the DEA-required forms.

  2. Unpack and Use

    Unpack the Boomerang Pak, keeping the return shipping box, pharmaceutical materials, and all kit components ready for use.

  3. Process
    Use the Boomerang Pak until it is full and ready to be returned to RP Returns.

  4. Shipping

    Once full, ship the Boomerang Pak back to RP Returns for processing.

  5. Return Processing

    The returned Boomerang Pak will be audited, processed for disposal, and credited if applicable.

  6. Reports and Forms

    Log in to the RP Returns Customer Portal to access the return summary and the Certificate of Disposal.


Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal

Medical and healthcare offices need many options for pharmaceutical waste disposal and for returning creditable pharmaceutical waste to receive potential credits. Whether you have expired pharmaceuticals or are looking to return unused pharmaceuticals for a credit, PureWay has an option to help manage this waste.

Requirements for Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal

For Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal, you must obtain approval from both the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency.

    • "Any registered practitioner in lawful possession of a controlled substance in its inventory that desires to dispose of that substance shall"

    • Destroy using an on-site method of destruction in the presence of a DEA agent or other authorized person.

    • Deliver to the registered location of a reverse distributor by common or contract carrier.

    • Request assistance from a local DEA agent to dispose.

  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

      • Information for Hospitals, Pharmacies, and other Businesses with Unwanted Medicines.

      • “Healthcare facilities and healthcare-related businesses that generate pharmaceutical wastes are responsible for appropriately managing their wastes in accordance with all local, state, and federal environmental regulations.”

      • Hospitals, pharmacies, and other businesses generating pharmaceutical waste generally cannot use take-back programs or events to dispose of expired, unwanted, or unused pharmaceuticals.

      • EPA is currently recommending incineration as the preferred disposal method.


Compliance and Waste Program Assessment

Our waste specialists can help you determine exactly what your facility needs. They are experts in EPA, OSHA, DOT, RCRA, and DEA regulations, guiding you on proper waste management and documentation. Here’s how the process works:

  1. Fill Out the Online Assessment.
    Provide the details about your facility using our online tool.

  2. Receive Your Report.
    A specialist will review your submission and email a detailed report with a link to schedule a call.

  3. Schedule a Review Call.
    During a 15–30 minute call, our compliance and waste management specialist will review your facility’s programs.

  4. Get Recommendations & Start Service.
    Receive actionable recommendations to improve programs, reduce costs, and minimize liability. Choose the service option that fits your facility to get started.


Flexible and sustainable pharmaceutical disposal solutions for healthcare providers. Request a quote today!

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