In a pharmacy, which of these items is considered hazardous waste?

• A. Items used for promotional purposes
• B. Expired non-prescription items
• C. Medications that have been incorrectly compounded
• D. All returned medications

Answer: (C)

Medications that have been incorrectly compounded are considered hazardous waste because they can pose significant safety risks. Such medications may not meet safety and quality standards, and can contain active pharmaceutical ingredients that, if disposed of improperly, can contaminate water sources or pose a danger to public health and the environment.

Inadequate compounding practices may lead to the potency and sterility of the medication being compromised, which can make them unsafe for use by patients. Consequently, regulations dictate that such waste must be managed and disposed of in accordance with specific hazardous waste regulations to mitigate these risks.

On the other hand, items used for promotional purposes, expired non-prescription items, and all returned medications may not necessarily meet the criteria for hazardous waste classification under current regulations. These items can often be disposed of through regular waste disposal processes, depending on the state regulations and specifics of the materials involved.