Is this drug hazardous waste?
Search a drug name or RCRA code to see whether it’s P-listed (acute) or U-listed (toxic) — with the code and a handling note. Bounded to EPA’s published lists, so the answers are accurate.
28 matches. Brand names are searchable where common.
Curated from EPA’s P/U lists (40 CFR 261.33) and characteristic criteria — not exhaustive. Salt form, concentration, and formulation change the classification, so always verify against the current CFR and the product’s SDS. For the full picture, read the P/U-list guide or download the reference PDF.
How to use this the right way
Use it to confirm the drugs you already suspect are hazardous, and to route them correctly: P- and U-listed drugs go to RCRA-hazardous disposal(black container), never the blue bin or the drain. Because the list is bounded to EPA’s published P/U codes, a match is reliable — but a non-match is not a clearance, since characteristic drugs and state-specific rules aren’t captured here. For the full explanation, read the P/U-list guide and EPA Subpart P.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a drug is RCRA-hazardous waste?
A drug is RCRA-hazardous if it's specifically listed (P-list for acute hazardous or U-list for toxic, at 40 CFR 261.33) or if it exhibits a hazardous characteristic — ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity (40 CFR 261.21–.24). This tool searches the commonly encountered listed pharmaceuticals; characteristic drugs may not appear but can still be hazardous.
What's the difference between a P-listed and a U-listed drug?
P-listed wastes are acutely hazardous — even small amounts trigger stricter handling, and their empty containers and residues carry the designation. U-listed wastes are toxic but not acutely hazardous. Warfarin is the classic example that's both: P001 at or above 0.3%, U248 below it.
If a drug isn't in the lookup, is it safe to trash?
No. This is a curated, non-exhaustive reference. A drug not listed here may still be hazardous by characteristic, or controlled, or otherwise regulated. Always verify against the current CFR and the product's SDS before disposal.
Why does the salt form or concentration matter?
Classification can hinge on the exact substance. Warfarin's category depends on concentration (≥0.3% vs <0.3%), and EPA has clarified that epinephrine salts are generally not P042 even though the base is. Always check the specific product.