# CareFusion: Automating Pharmaceutical Waste Segregation

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/03/carefusion%20automating%20pharmaceutical%20waste%20segregation/
- Published: 2015-03-28T22:52:00-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## CareFusion’s Innovative Step Towards Sustainable Pharmaceutical Waste Management

CareFusion ([NYSE: CFN](https://www.carefusion.com/)) is a leader in global medical
technology. It has also taken a significant step forward. CareFusion has acquired
technology to automate the segregation of pharmaceutical waste. This move helps 
hospitals cut costs, enhance regulatory compliance, and boost environmental responsibility.

### The Growing Problem

Pharmaceutical waste is a pressing issue. U.S. hospitals purchase over 4 billion
vials, bottles, and ampoules containing hazardous materials each year. This generates
more than 84,000 tons of hazardous waste annually. A recent U.S. Geological survey
found pharmaceutical waste in 80% of sampled water streams, contaminating drinking
water. In 2008, another study revealed pharmaceutical drugs in the drinking water
of 41 million American homes across 24 major metropolitan areas.

### Regulatory Challenges

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is intensifying enforcement nationwide.
Hospitals face fines of up to $37,500 per infraction. Then even per day, for improper
disposal. Recently, a government-owned hospital was fined $51,501 and required to
invest $500,000 in a waste management program. Another large cancer hospital faced
a $372,254 fine for mishandling hazardous waste.

### CareFusion Solution

Vestara is a California-based company specializing in pharmaceutical waste management,
[CareFusion](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/02/sundance-green-film-festival-green-living-guy-side/)
expands its Pyxis® medication management portfolio. The new Pyxis EcoStation™ system
automates the identification, classification, and segregation of pharmaceutical 
waste. It also provides records to facilitate tracking and regulatory controls.

![CareFusion ](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_5273-
400x400.png?resize=400%2C400&ssl=1)

Tom Leonard, president of Dispensing Technologies at CareFusion, stated, “Pharmaceutical
waste management is a challenging issue. Many hospitals remain non-compliant due
to complex handling requirements and varying regulations. CareFusion can now help
protect employees, the environment, and the bottom line.”

#### How It Works

The Pyxis EcoStation system uses barcode technology to identify drugs. It relies
on a database of over 180,000 National Drug Code products to categorize and separate
waste at the point of disposal. By automating this process, the system eliminates
human error and the risk of cross-contamination inherent in manual sorting.

#### Leading the Industry

CareFusion leads the industry in dispensing technologies with its Pyxis medication
and supply management solutions. They will showcase the new Pyxis EcoStation system
at the American Society for Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Midyear Clinical Meeting
and Exhibition from June 12–15 in Denver.

This acquisition marks a pivotal moment for CareFusion, setting a new standard for
sustainable pharmaceutical waste management.

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
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