Committee hears brief support for consolidating sharps and nonhazardous pharmaceuticals

Senate Bill 139 would allow sharps and certain nonhazardous, nonradioactive pharmaceuticals to be consolidated into a single container that meets specified safety standards, and proponents told the House Climate, Energy and Environment Committee on May 6 that the measure would improve operational efficiency in hospitals and clinics.

Tom Barrows, representing Stericycle, a medical and infectious waste disposal company, described the proposal as a modest expansion of current Oregon rules that would permit commingling of nonhazardous pharmaceuticals with sharps in settings such as emergency rooms and operating rooms. “This creates efficiencies in the hospital and clinic settings,” Barrows said, and he told the committee the change would be optional for facilities that choose to adopt it.

Erin, the staff presenter, summarized a dash‑a3 amendment posted online that clarifies the consolidated container would be used for treatment (not disposal) and requires an incinerator authorized by state or federal permit to accept the consolidated material for treatment. The bill previously passed the Senate committee without recorded opposition and Barrows said he was not aware of opposition to the current amendment.

The committee received no other public testimony on SB 139 at the hearing and closed the item. There was no committee vote at the May 6 session.

SB 139’s supporters said the bill is limited in scope, voluntary, and intended to reduce handling trips and safety risks in clinical workflows. The committee did not take action on the measure at the hearing.