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Committee hears SB 139 to allow consolidated sharps and certain nonhazardous pharmaceutical waste in reusable containers
Summary
Senate Bill 139 would let sharps and certain nonhazardous pharmaceutical waste be consolidated into a single (potentially reusable) container provided federal standards are met and the entire container is managed as infectious waste; the Senate Energy and Environment Committee heard the bill on Feb. 24.
Senate Bill 139, heard Feb. 24 by the Senate Energy and Environment Committee, would allow a person to consolidate sharps and specified nonhazardous pharmaceutical waste into a single container that may be reusable if the container meets federal requirements and the entire contents are managed as infectious waste.
Tom Barrows, representing Stericycle, testified in favor and said the bill would relax color and packaging restrictions and permit commingling of sharps with nonhazardous pharmaceutical waste to reduce handling and operational steps in clinical settings. Barrows said the change could reduce repetitive handling in operating rooms and clinics.
DEQ and other stakeholders raised technical and safety questions and requested clarifications and amendments. Committee testimony reflected outreach between the sponsor, proponents and DEQ; Barrows said an amendment was in process to narrow the language so it refers specifically to nonhazardous pharmaceutical waste. DEQ requested language clarifying that commingled contents be incinerated and sought stronger cross-references to federal lists that define hazardous pharmaceuticals (for example, NIOSH/OSHA lists). Opponents raised concerns about broad definitions and treatment pathways; the sponsor and proponents said they would continue discussions to refine language.
No committee action was taken on SB 139 at the hearing; sponsors and proponents said they will continue to work with DEQ and other stakeholders on technical amendments and will submit updated language and written testimony to the committee.
