What must health care facilities handling non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals obtain?

• A. A state license to operate
• B. A waste minimization certificate
• C. A hospital accreditation
• D. An EPA identification number

Answer: (D)

Health care facilities that generate or handle hazardous waste, including non-creditable pharmaceutical waste, must obtain an EPA Identification Number. This unique ID marks the site as a hazardous waste generator and is required for all hazardous waste activities, including preparing manifests when waste is shipped off-site and complying with storage, labeling, recordkeeping, and reporting rules under RCRA. The ID helps regulators track the waste from generation to disposal and ensures proper accountability. While other items like a general operating license, a waste minimization certificate, or hospital accreditation may be important for different reasons, they do not substitute for the EPA Identification Number needed to legally manage hazardous waste.