Thymerasol Filtering

["Richard Illig (717) 327-3568" <ILLIG.RICHARD@a1.pader.gov>]

    Tim, et al,
    
    Prior to treating a hazardous waste, be sure to check with both 
    state and federal hazardous waste management regulations.  A part 
    B permit (for the treatment of hazardous waste) may be required.  
    Generally, such permits are not something most people want due to 
    cost and regulatory liability.
    
    Perhaps the size of the disposal problem could be improved 
    (minimize returned unused vaccines) by placing more responsibility 
    on the users...encourage better inventory control (purse strings 
    will generally work best).  Communicating the problem to users 
    might be the first and easiest step. 
    
    Perhaps incentives can be offered to users to better control 
    over-ordering.  After all, the disposal costs must eventually get 
    passed back to users one way or another.  Improving delivery 
    response time may also help by letting users know they do not need 
    to stock large amounts of the material.
    
    An improved tracking system may also encourage users to control 
    inventory and rotate stock.  Are users returning old stock (which 
    may soon become outdated) and using new stock?  Are the returns 
    coming from all users, or simply a few "problem children"?
    
    Another approach may be to reevaluate the dating procedures.  
    Could shelf life be improved?  What portion of shelf life is spent 
    prior to shipment to users?  Were original shelf life numbers 
    determined through actual testing of samples or by estimates from 
    similar chemicals?
    
    I hope some of these ideas help.
    Ric
    illig.richard@a1.dep.state.pa.us