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: Bill Chenevert, HERC Administrative Director wchenevert@ncms.org.

EPA has launched a new section of their website that specifically addresses Hazardous Waste Generators. It provides basic information, links to forms, regulatory summaries/details, and sector-specific information.

NCMS launches new Assisted Living Care/Nursing Home Resource. The new resource is intended to educate facility owners and managers about applicable environmental rules in an effort to assure continuous compliance. Content covers waste management (e.g., unused meds), and rules related to buildings and grounds, facility management and renovation/construction. Use the main menu above to access these new sections.

DEA publishes new regulations for disposal of controlled substance that can effect hospitals and long-term care facilities. Under the new rule, registered and "authorized" hospitals/clinics with an on-site pharmacy may accept unwanted controlled substances from ultimate users and establish collection receptacles at long-term care facilities. More….

EPA's 2015 Proposal to Address the Management of Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals. The Agency is in the process of developing a new proposal. More information.

Changes to the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act went into effect January, 2014. You must comply with the new standards if you introduce into commerce any pipe or plumbing product providing water for human consumption or are engaged in the installation or repair of any plumbing providing water for human consumption. For more information, review EPA's:

• How to Identify Lead-Free Certification Marks for Drinking Water System & Plumbing Materials Factsheet

Federal Rule Establishes Requirements During Renovation, Repair and Painting Activities that Disturb Lead-Based Paint 
The covered facilities include parts of hospitals where children under age six are present on a regular basis. The rule applies to renovation, repair or painting activities. (More information.)

Need help in carrying out your waste reduction, mercury elimination, or environmental compliance program? Practice Greenhealth can show you the way.

The HERCenter has special pages covering your state's rules for the following topics:

RCRA/Hazardous Waste | Universal Waste | Regulated Medical Waste
OSHA | Mercury | Air Pollution | Asbestos | C&D Debris