Pharmaceutical waste

Our team of industry experts in the pharmaceutical waste category help with disposal of the following:

Medicinal waste

Using the colour coded segregation system, medicinal waste will always be found in containers with a blue lid on. This waste stream is for all medicines or outdated drugs that are classified in the ‘non-hazardous’ category, posing no risk to containing hazardous properties. This waste will always require disposal by incineration and cannot be recycled. The blue lid on the containers will help pharmaceutical practices separate this medicinal waste from anything that could contain cytotoxic or cytostatic properties, hazardous elements of pharmaceutical waste that will cause contamination.

Cytotoxic or cytostatic waste

Classified in containers with a purple lid, waste that contains cytotoxic or cytostatic properties will always require segregation from common medicinal waste. Reconomy commonly finds that this type of waste arrives from used needles or syringes that have been used in complex treatments on either humans and animals.

Several regulations govern the disposal of pharmaceutical waste in the UK, aiming to mitigate risks to public health and the environment. Below are the most important ones.

The Environmental Protection Act (1990)

This legislation establishes a framework for managing and controlling waste in the UK. It requires that any entity producing pharmaceutical waste must dispose of it in a way that does not harm the environment. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines or even criminal charges.

The Hazardous Waste Regulations (2005)

Pharmaceutical waste is often classified as hazardous due to its potential to cause harm. The Hazardous Waste Regulations outline how businesses, including pharmacies and healthcare providers, should handle and dispose of such waste. These regulations require the use of proper containers, labeling, and disposal methods to ensure safety.

Controlled Waste (England and Wales) Regulations (2012)

This regulation categorizes pharmaceutical waste as controlled waste. Any facility generating such waste must register as a waste producer and follow strict guidelines on storage, transportation, and disposal. Proper documentation, such as waste transfer notes, is also required to ensure accountability throughout the disposal process.

The Controlled Drugs (Supervision of Management and Use) Regulations (2013)

Controlled drugs, such as opioids and other high-risk medications, are subject to specific regulations in the UK. The 2013 legislation mandates how controlled drugs should be destroyed and disposed of, including the requirement for authorized personnel to witness their destruction.

Adhering to the above regulations is crucial, but following best practices can further ensure safety and compliance.

Segregate Waste Properly

Not all pharmaceutical waste is classified as hazardous. Some items, like empty pill bottles or packaging, may not require special handling. It’s essential to separate hazardous waste from non-hazardous waste at the source. This makes disposal more efficient and ensures that each type of waste is treated according to the correct protocol.

Use Approved Containers

Pharmaceutical waste must be stored in containers that meet regulatory standards. These containers should be leak-proof, clearly labeled, and appropriate for the type of waste being disposed of. Color-coded bins often help in segregating pharmaceutical waste from other waste streams.