Hazardous waste disposal, safe drug disposal, federal and state regulations, environmental impacts -- these are just a few of the day-to-day challenges veterinarians must address in order to be legally compliant as well as good citizens. To help veterinarians deal with the complex waste disposal issues, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has launched a Waste Disposal microsite.

"This new AVMA microsite provides a single location that veterinarians can turn to for answers," explains Dr. Kristi Henderson, assistant director of the Scientific Activities Division and staff to the AVMA’s Committee on Environmental Issues (CEI). "Practitioners need to be aware of the federal standards by which everyone must abide, as well as their local and state regulations, which vary across the nation. This AVMA site connects them to a multitude of resources and information that will help them meet the challenges of proper waste disposal."

The microsite is divided into five areas: definitions, federal regulations, state regulations, AVMA resources, and clinical resources. The "clinical resources section" of the site is a new member benefit, accessible only by AVMA members.