Recycling unused medications in hospitals is financially viable and good for the environment.

Abstract

Considerable pharmaceutical waste is generated in hospital settings which can be reduced by recycling of unused medications. We sought to determine the recycling practices as well as quantify the volume and the value of oral solid medications returned from nursing units to the pharmacy departments at three urban hospitals. Unused oral solid medications were recycled at three sites and the net financial impact of this practice was calculated (cost recovered - labour costs). The results were extrapolated to all 21 hospitals within the health system. Recycling medications in 21 hospitals could divert ~461 000 units of medication from the incinerator, with an estimated net value of ~$415 000 per year. Recycling unused medications could save substantial amounts of money and reduce negative environmental impacts from disposal/incineration.