13. Disposal statements
‘Disposal’ statements provide advice on the appropriate method to dispose of unused chemicals and used containers. Consumers should be offered sufficient guidance for the disposal of small or large containers and single-use product containers. This could include recycling statements based on the nature of the active/s and excipients and the packaging material.
You must include suitable instructions about the proper method of disposing of containers and any unused product on the label.
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The ‘Disposal’ statements must be preceded by the following heading written in boldface, sans-serif capital letters. For print size and style requirements, refer to the Printing and legibility requirements.
DISPOSAL
The following ‘Disposal‘ statements are the minimum required. The final statements are determined by the APVMA during product evaluation.
13.1 Small containers (less than or equal to 1 L or 1 kg)
The following statements are for small containers.
13.1.1. Live vaccine containers
Dispose of [vial/container] in a designated and appropriately labelled biologicals container
13.1.2. Aerosol cans
Aerosols should be completely emptied before disposal. Place empty can in household rubbish. Do not puncture or incinerate.
13.1.3. Other small containers (less than or equal to 1 L or 1 kg)
Dispose of container by wrapping with paper and putting in garbage
13.1.4. Disposal of sharps
Where a disposable sharp is distributed with a product or is expected to be used with a product, and sales of the product are not restricted to veterinarians, the following additional statement is recommended:
Discarded [needles/sharps] should immediately be placed in a designated and appropriately labelled ‘sharps’ container
13.2. Large containers (greater than 1 L or 1 kg)
The following statements are for large containers and DrumMUSTER-eligible containers greater than or equal to 1 L or 1 kg.
13.2.1. Metal drums, glass bottles and plastic containers
The first sentence of the following statements should be customised to represent your product.
Triple-rinse container into the [medicated feed; water; dip; drench; etc.]. Do not dispose of undiluted chemicals on-site. If recycling, replace cap and return clean container to recycler or designated collection point. If not recycling, break, crush, or puncture container and deliver to an approved waste management facility. If an approved waste management facility is not available, bury the broken, crushed or punctured containers 500 mm below the surface in a disposal pit specifically marked and set up for this purpose clear of waterways, vegetation and tree roots, in compliance with relevant local, state or territory government regulations. Do not burn empty containers or product.
13.2.1.1. Drenches in metal/plastic containers that are not diluted
In the case of drenches and pour-ons in metal or plastic containers that are not diluted, the following statement should replace the first sentence above. In some instances additional wording may be required:
Triple-rinse container and dispose of rinsate in compliance with relevant local, state or territory government regulations
13.2.1.2. Quick Pour containers
In the case of quick pour containers, the following statement should replace the first sentence above.
Triple- or preferably pressure-rinse inner bladder into the [medicated feed; water; dip; drench; etc.]
13.2.2. drumMUSTER-eligible containers (greater than or equal to 1 L or 1kg)
For containers eligible for drumMUSTER, the following statement may be used in place of, or in addition to the third sentence (recycling statement) above:
If the container has the drumMUSTER logo visible, and has been thoroughly cleaned and dried, and is free of any visible residues, it can be recycled at any drumMUSTER collection or similar container management program site. The cap should not be replaced, but may be recycled separately at the drumMUSTER collection site.
13.3. Plastic and foil bags
The first sentence of the following statements should be customised to represent your product.
Single-rinse or shake container into the [medicated feed; water; dip; drench; etc.] Do not dispose of undiluted chemicals on-site. Puncture bag and deliver to an approved waste management facility. If an approved waste management facility is not available, bury the container 500 mm below the surface in a disposal pit specifically marked and set up for this purpose clear of waterways, vegetation and tree roots, in compliance with relevant local, state or territory government regulations. Do not burn empty containers or product.
13.4. Paper or cardboard containers and paper material bags
The first sentence of the following statements should be customised to represent your product.
Shake container into [medicated feed; water; dip; drench; etc.]. Do not dispose of undiluted chemicals on-site.
Break, crush, or puncture container and deliver to an approved waste management facility. If an approved waste management facility is not available, bury the punctured containers 500 mm below the surface in a disposal pit specifically marked and set up for this purpose clear of waterways, vegetation and tree roots, in compliance with relevant local, state or territory government regulations. Do not burn empty containers or product.