The storage of waste medicines at a pharmacy or storage of waste at the premises of a medical, nursing or veterinary practice - paragraph 39 exemption

A paragraph 39 exemption allows the secure storage at a pharmacy pending their disposal elsewhere of waste medicines which have been returned to the pharmacy from households or individuals. Paragraph 39 also allows the secure storage at the premises of a medical, nursing, or veterinary practice of waste produced in carrying on that practice.

Waste stream(s) permitted

Waste medicines returned from households or individuals to a pharmacy.

Medical, nursing, or veterinary practice waste produced in carrying on that practice.

Quantity

The total quantity of returned waste medicines at the pharmacy must not exceed 5 cubic metres at any one time.

The total quantity of waste stored at the premises of a medical, nursing, or veterinary practice must not at any time exceed 5 cubic metres.

Storage and location

Returned waste medicines at a pharmacy must not be stored for a period exceeding 6 months.

Wastes from medical, nursing and veterinary practices must be stored at the premises and must not be stored for a period exceeding 3 months.

What the legislation says

The full wording of the paragraph 39 exemption can be found in Schedule 2 of the Waste Management Licensing Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003. 

Relevant Objectives in relation to the disposal or recovery of waste are given in paragraph 4 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations.

Paragraph 39 is NOT required to be registered in accordance with the Waste Management Licensing Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 (as amended)

For further information, please contact:-

Guidance

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