05/30/2025 - EPA Highlights 2025 National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 19 - 25 [more]
04/28/2025 - Administrator Zeldin Announces Major EPA Actions to Combat PFAS Contamination [more]
12/06/2024 - All hazardous waste SQGs are required to re-notify EPA or their state environmental agency of their hazardous waste activities by September 1, 2025. [more]
HERC provides pollution prevention and environmental compliance assistance information for the healthcare sector. It is intended to be a comprehensive resource, covering all the varieties of hospital wastes, and all the rules that apply to them, including both federal regulations and the specific rules that apply in your state. HERC also includes environmental compliance information for dental offices and assisted living/nursing care communities.
This website was developed and is maintained by the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences. Funding for this project has been provided by EPA under the National Compliance Assistance Centers program. For more information, or to pass along suggestions, please contact: Lisa Stobierski, Sr. Program Manager.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this site is provided for your review and convenience. It is not intended to provide legal advice with respect to any federal, state, or local regulation. You should consult with legal counsel and appropriate authorities before interpreting any regulations or undertaking any specific course of action.
Please note that many of the regulatory discussions on HERC refer to federal regulations. In many cases, states or local governments have promulgated relevant rules and standards that are different and/or more stringent than the federal regulations. Therefore, to assure full compliance, you should investigate and comply with all applicable federal, state and local regulations.
Using various services and databases, HERC has identified the Five Most Common RMW Violations. Learn how to avoid them!
HERC publishes 10-Step Blueprint for Managing Pharmaceutical Waste in US Healthcare Facilities. This guidance document, developed in cooperation with US EPA and Charlotte Smith will assist healthcare facilities meet the new Management Standards for Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals.
HERC Adds New Guidance for Non-Hazardous Pharmaceutical Waste. This new section covers disposal of pharmaceutical waste that is not regulated under EPA RCRA Subpart C (hazardous waste rules), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) or US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) regulations.
Need help in carrying out your waste reduction, mercury elimination, or environmental compliance program? Practice Greenhealth can show you the way.
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The
HERCenter has special pages covering your state's rules for
the following topics:
RCRA/Hazardous
Waste | Universal Waste | Regulated Medical Waste
OSHA | Air
Pollution | Asbestos | C&D
Debris
