Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal Research Articles

Green pharmacy - a narrative review.

IntroductionActive pharmaceutical ingredients are present in various sections of the environment, because of both the human and veterinary use of medicinal products. Ways of minimizing the risk of environmental contamination should be observed during all pharmaceutical activities (research, manufacturing, prescribing, dispensing and disposal of medicinal products).MethodsFor the present study we searched specific literature on this subject, using the main international databases (Thomson Reuters – Web of Science, SCOPUS and Science Direct).ResultsThis narrative review focuses on the main aspects concerning environmental contamination with medicinal products. Consequently, the present study is structured on four different topics: environmental research on medicinal products, minimizing environmental contamination, waste disposal management and towards a greener community pharmacy.ConclusionWaste management activities are important for reducing the presence of active pharmaceutical ingredients in the environment. Pharmacists should inform patients on proper pharmaceutical waste disposal and organize collection programs for unused and expired medicines, in order to develop a greener pharmacy for the future.

EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH OF THERMAL DISPOSAL OF CERTAIN PHARMACEUTICAL WASTE

The modern state of problem of treatment of pharmaceutical waste in Ukraine was considered. The principles of classification of pharmaceutical waste were presented. The value of quantity of primary and secondary packaging in certain samples of pharmaceutical waste was presented and influence of packaging upon character of process of thermal disposal of pharmaceutical waste was considered. The influence of change of mass of certain samples of pharmaceutical waste during their heating was investigated. The phase transfer of certain pharmaceutical waste during their heating was considered. The dependence of velocity of loss of relative mass of sample on hold-up time in combustion chamber at the temperature of 850 °С was presented. The ignition temperature and self-ignition temperature of certain samples of pharmaceutical waste were identified. The calorific values of number of samples of pharmaceutical waste were defined. The calorific values of number of samples of pharmaceutical waste were defined. The suitability of pharmaceutical waste for disposal by thermal methods was evaluated. A number of thermal characteristics of certain pharmaceutical waste, required for the development of equipment and working conditions of thermal disposal, was identified The character of the process of thermal decomposition of certain pharmaceutical waste at high temperatures of disposal was researched. Bibl. 8, Fig. 4, Tab. 4.

Implementation of the method of electrochemical destruction during disposal of pharmaceutical glass waste

Active development of the pharmaceutical market shows a tendency to increase of pharmaceutical glass waste. The negative impact of waste on the environment shows itself in contamination of its elements by pharmaceutical substances contained in the waste, as well as the effects of medical glass and pathogens of infectious diseases. It was established that increasing of the ecologically safe handling of pharmaceutical glass waste and improvement of the disposal of glass can be provided by the method of electrochemical destruction of pharmaceutical substances. The optimal regimes and conditions to carry out the anodic oxidation process and the kinetic parameters of complete destruction of pharmaceutical substances (diclofenac, beta-estradiol, furosemide, atenolol, cefuroxime) were experimentally determined. The effectiveness of electrochemical destruction of five priority pharmaceutical substances, as well as their mixtures in a solution with sodium chloride using ORTA anode, was experimentally proved. It was established that complete destruction of pharmaceutical substances occurs during the process of electrochemical oxidation. It was noted that the introduction of this method makes it possible to destroy harmful pharmaceutical substances and to disinfect the solutions of pharmaceutical preparations infected with Escherichia coli bacteria in a single process. An additional positive effect of the introduction of the method is the improvement of the quality of pharmaceutical waste as a secondary material resource and promotion of the improvement in the technological processes of pharmaceutical waste disposal

Waiter, there is a drug in my soup - using Leximancer® to explore antecedents to pro-environmental behaviours in the hospital pharmacy workplace.

The aim of this study was to explore Queensland hospital pharmacists' and pharmacy technicians' knowledge and understanding of the impact of pharmaceuticals on the environment and the handling of pharmaceutical waste. This study followed a mixed methods research design. Purposive sampling techniques were used to recruit 64 hospital pharmacists and pharmacy technicians working in five public and private hospitals, in metropolitan and regional Queensland, Australia. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Qualitative data were analysed using both the text analytics using descriptive statistics. Lack of environmental knowledge regarding the impact of pharmaceuticals on the environment and lack of understanding of systems thinking concepts (that all living things are part of the one environment or system, and therefore any negative impacts on the environment will ultimately have negative impacts on human health) were the key findings of this research. Interviewees expressed concern, but most expressed minimal personal concern, about the impact of pharmaceuticals entering the environment. Most interviewees were unsure as to best practice methods for the disposal of pharmaceutical waste, and by complying with hospital policy assumed appropriate disposal occurred. Before the pharmacy profession can take up a leadership role in the more sustainable use of pharmaceuticals, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians require environmental information regarding the negative impacts of pharmaceuticals on the environment, and education on systems thinking to enable them to understand that any negative impacts on the environment will ultimately have negative impacts on human health.

Drug product immobilization in recycled polyethylene/polypropylene reclaimed from municipal solid waste: experimental and numerical assessment

ABSTRACTRecently, there has been a growing interest in identifying suitable routes for the disposal of pharmaceutical wastes. This study investigates the potential of matrix materials composed of recycled polyethylene/polypropylene reclaimed from municipal solid wastes at immobilizing pharmaceutical solid wastes. Diclofenac (DF) drug product was embedded in boards of recycled plastic material, and leaching in water was assessed at various temperatures. DF concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography and revealed a maximum leachable fraction of 4% under accelerated conditions of 70°C, and less than 0.3% following 39 days of exposure at 20°C. The Ensemble Kalman Filter was employed to characterize the leaching behavior of DF. The filter verified the occurrence of leaching through diffusion, and was successful in predicting the leaching behavior of DF at 50°C and 70°C.

Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal Practices in Healthcare Facilities in Lagos State, South West Nigeria

Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal Practices in Healthcare Facilities in Lagos State, South West Nigeria

Evaluating pharmaceutical waste disposal in pediatric units.

To verify the disposal of pharmaceutical waste performed in pediatric units. A descriptive and observational study conducted in a university hospital. The convenience sample consisted of pharmaceuticals discarded during the study period. Handling and disposal during preparation and administration were observed. Data collection took place at pre-established times and was performed using a pre-validated instrument. 356 drugs disposals were identified (35.1% in the clinic, 31.8% in the intensive care unit, 23.8% in the surgical unit and 9.3% in the infectious diseases unit). The most discarded pharmacological classes were: 22.7% antimicrobials, 14.8% electrolytes, 14.6% analgesics/pain killers, 9.5% diuretics and 6.7% antiulcer agents. The most used means for disposal were: sharps' disposable box with a yellow bag (30.8%), sink drain (28.9%), sharps' box with orange bag (14.3%), and infectious waste/bin with a white bag (10.1%). No disposal was identified after drug administration. A discussion of measures that can contribute to reducing (healthcare) waste volume with the intention of engaging reflective team performance and proper disposal is necessary. Verificar o descarte dos resíduos de medicamentos realizado em unidades pediátricas. Estudo descritivo e observacional, realizado em um hospital universitário. A amostra de conveniência foi constituída pelos medicamentos descartados durante o período de estudo. Observaram-se a manipulação e o descarte durante o preparo e a administração. A coleta dos dados ocorreu em horários preestabelecidos e realizada por meio de instrumento pré-validado. Identificaram-se 356 descartes de medicamentos (35,1% na clínica, 31,8% na unidade de cuidados intensivos, 23,8% na cirúrgica e 9,3% na infectologia). As classes farmacológicas mais descartadas foram: 22,7% antimicrobianos, 14,8% eletrólitos, 14,6% analgésicos, 9,5% diuréticos e 6,7% antiulcerosos. Vias mais utilizadas: caixa descartável para perfurocortante com saco amarelo (30,8%), ralo da pia (28,9%), caixa de perfurocortante com saco laranja (14,3%) e lixeira infectante com saco branco (10,1%). Não foi identificado descarte após a administração dos fármacos. Faz-se necessária a discussão de medidas que contribuam para a redução do volume de resíduos, com o intuito de engajar a atuação reflexiva da equipe e o descarte adequado.

Avaliação do gerenciamento dos resíduos de medicamentos e demais resíduos de serviços de saúde na Região Serrana de Santa Catarina

RESUMO A gestão de resíduos dos serviços de saúde (RSS) constitui um grande desafio para o poder público, pois, apesar do avanço nos aspectos legislativos, ainda há grandes deficiências, especialmente relacionadas aos resíduos de medicamentos descartados inadequadamente. Este estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar o processo de descarte de drogas e resíduos dos serviços de saúde humana e veterinária em uma cidade de médio porte da Região Serrana de Santa Catarina. Foram realizadas visitas às unidades participantes, selecionadas por critérios de conveniência, contemplando unidades de saúde municipais, pet shops , clínicas veterinárias, hospital de atendimento humano, hospital de atendimento veterinário e empresas coletoras, totalizando 15 unidades participantes. A coleta de dados ocorreu de março a maio de 2014, com aplicação de questionários e roteiro de observação de campo. Os resultados evidenciaram deficiências no gerenciamento dos resíduos de medicamentos, assim como dos demais resíduos, nas etapas de segregação e armazenamento em instituições de atendimento humano e veterinário, com poucas exceções. As maiores dificuldades foram observadas nos estabelecimentos de atendimento veterinário, especialmente quanto à segregação e ao armazenamento dos resíduos contaminados, à falta de cuidado com material perfurocortante e às normas de biossegurança. A inexistência do Plano de Gerenciamento de Resíduos de Serviços de Saúde nas unidades de saúde e no hospital veterinário, assim como a falta de capacitações aos profissionais, a dissimilaridade no descarte de medicamentos entre os estabelecimentos e a falta de fiscalização por parte dos órgãos competentes foram os principais responsáveis pelo atual cenário de descarte inadequado dos resíduos na região.

Application of graphene based materials for adsorption of pharmaceutical traces from water and wastewater- a review

Traces of pharmaceuticals have been classified as emerging pollutants due to their persistence in the aquatic ecosystem. There has been indiscriminate disposal of pharmaceutical waste from manufacturing processes, half used, expired antibiotics as a result of which, huge quantities of bacterial resistant antibiotic wastewater have been introduced into natural ecosystems. In addition, drugs that are not fully metabolized in the body may be excreted into the sewer system. Therefore, treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater is a global concern. A wide range of treatment methodologies have been developed to treat pharmaceutical wastewater viz., chemical oxidation, biodegradation, adsorption, liquid extraction, membrane techniques, etc. However, adsorption is a promising method for the removal of micropollutants because of its simple design, low-cost, high efficiency, etc. Research has shown that graphene materials can be used as photo-catalysts, adsorbents, and as disinfectants in water treatment. They are reported to be efficient agents against a wide variety of water pollutants, including (but not limited to) organic molecules, inorganic heavy metals, and water borne pathogenic micro-organisms. This review discusses the application of graphene materials in treating pharmaceutical wastewater and explains the mechanism of adsorption. A brief perspective on the future scope of work in the area has also been examined.

Polyene macrolide antibiotics: Mechanisms of inactivation, ways of stabilization, and methods of disposal of unusable drugs (Review)

Published data concerning various mechanisms of the inactivation of polyene macrolide antibiotics, ways of their stabilization, and search for new stable dosage forms prepared with the use of nanotechnology techniques were summarized. Environmentally acceptable ways of disposal of pharmaceutical waste, and in particular polyene macrolide antibiotics, were discussed.

Impact of intervention on healthcare waste management practices in a tertiary care governmental hospital of Nepal.

BackgroundHealthcare waste is produced from various therapeutic procedures performed in hospitals, such as chemotherapy, dialysis, surgery, delivery, resection of gangrenous organs, autopsy, biopsy, injections, etc. These result in the production of non-hazardous waste (75–95%) and hazardous waste (10–25%), such as sharps, infectious, chemical, pharmaceutical, radioactive waste, and pressurized containers (e.g., inhaler cans). Improper healthcare waste management may lead to the transmission of hepatitis B, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.MethodsThis evaluation of waste management practices was carried out at gynaecology, obstetrics, paediatrics, medicine and orthopaedics wards at Government of Nepal Civil Service Hospital, Kathmandu from February 12 to October 15, 2013, with the permission from healthcare waste management committee at the hospital. The Individualized Rapid Assessment tool (IRAT), developed by the United Nations Development Program Global Environment Facility project, was used to collect pre-interventional and post-interventional performance scores concerning waste management. The healthcare waste management committee was formed of representing various departments. The study included responses from focal nurses and physicians from the gynaecology, obstetrics, paediatrics, medicine and orthopaedics wards, and waste handlers during the study period. Data included average scores from 40 responders. Scores were based on compliance with the IRAT.ResultsThe waste management policy and standard operating procedure were developed after interventions, and they were consistent with the national and international laws and regulations. The committee developed a plan for recycling or waste minimization. Health professionals, such as doctors, nurses and waste handlers, were trained on waste management practices. The programs included segregation, collection, handling, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste, as well as occupational health and safety issues. The committee developed a plan for treatment and disposal of chemical and pharmaceutical waste. Pretest and posttest evaluation scores were 26% and 86% respectively.ConclusionsDuring the pre-intervention period, the hospital had no HCWM Committee, policy, standard operating procedure or proper color coding system for waste segregation, collection, transportation and storage and the specific well-trained waste handlers. Doctors, nurses and waste handlers were trained on HCWM practices, after interventions. Significant improvements were observed between the pre- and post-intervention periods.

The global public health issue of pharmaceutical waste: what role for pharmacists?

Purpose – Pharmaceuticals have played an important role in improving the quality of life of the human population in modern times. However, it must also be acknowledged that both the production and use of pharmaceuticals have a significant, negative impact on the environment and consequently, a negative impact on the health of humans and wildlife. This negative impact is due to the embedded carbon in pharmaceuticals' manufacture and distribution and the waste generated in their manufacture, consumption and disposal. Pharmaceutical waste is comprised of contaminated waste (unwanted pharmaceuticals and their original containers) and non-contaminated waste (non-hazardous packaging waste). The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The article is a literature review. Findings – The article identified a gap in the literature around pharmacist attitudes and behaviour toward the environmentally responsible handling of pharmaceutical waste. Originality/value – Pharmacists, with their professional commitment to the quality use of medicines and their active participation in the medicines management pathway, already play an important role in the more sustainable use of pharmaceuticals. Even so, they have the potential to play an even greater role with the environmentally responsible disposal of pharmaceutical waste (including packaging waste) and the education of other health professionals and the general public on this topic.

Issues around household pharmaceutical waste disposal through community pharmacies in Croatia

Croatian regulations mandate pharmacies to receive unused medicines from households. Pharmacies are considered as producers and holders of pharmaceutical waste and are obliged to finance this service. Model where pharmacies are responsible for financing disposal of unused medicines without reimbursement is not common in Europe. Present service was not tested before implementation. To investigate the elements of the pharmaceutical waste disposal service provided by pharmacies, and to gain insight into the factors that might influence the effectiveness of the service. Setting All pharmacies in the city of Zagreb. Each pharmacy was asked to weigh the collected waste from the public during a period of 30 days, between June 1st and July 10th of 2011, absent from any media advertisement and answer a specifically designed questionnaire that was exploring possible connections between the amount of collected waste, type of pharmacy ownership, discretion while disposing, location of the container, appropriate labeling and to compare the amount of collected waste between neighborhoods. Quantity of collected unused medicines from the public. Of 210 pharmacies, 91 participated completing the questionnaire (43 % response rate). The total amount of collected waste was 505 kg. Pharmacies owned by the city of Zagreb had higher response rate (74 %) than privately owned pharmacies (36 %), and collected significantly higher amount of waste. Anonymity when disposing influenced collected quantity, while labelling and location of the container did not. There were differences in the amount of collected waste between neighborhoods due to the demographic characteristics and number of pharmacies per capita. The effectiveness of the pharmacy service of collecting unused medicines in Croatia shows a number of weaknesses. The amount of collected medicines is below the European average. Functioning of the service seems to be negatively influenced by the type of pharmacy ownership, distribution of pharmacies and lack of anonymity when disposing unused medicines. Additionally, type of ownership is connected with financial burden for pharmacies. Governmental bodies should examine current legislation regulating pharmaceutical waste disposal, particularly financial responsibility for providing the service, in order to increase pharmacies' compliance. Advertising of the service may increase awareness of the importance of proper disposal of unused medicines.

DGI-070 The Purple Waste Stream – How North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) Deals with Hazardous Waste Medicines

BackgroundAll hazardous pharmaceutical waste must be clearly identified, segregated and consigned with the six digit European Waste Catalogue code (18 01 08) within purple-lidded containers to permit safe destruction. [The...

Pharmaceutical waste disposal: assessment of its effects on bacterial communities in soil and groundwater

A preliminary ecological characterisation of an open quarry that had been used for the disposal of pharmaceutical wastes from a factory producing antibiotics was performed. Pharmaceutical wastes and groundwater samples were collected and analysed in order to assess both the bacterial community structure and functioning, and the contamination by organic compounds, including antibiotics. Bacterial abundance measured using the epifluorescence direct count method, cell viability measured by using two fluorescent dyes, species diversity measured by assessing the bacterial community structure using fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) and soil microbial activity based on dehydrogenase activity were used as microbiological indicators to evaluate the ‘quality state’ of the area studied. The overall results show that groundwater has a low-quality state in terms of bacterial viability, activity and diversity, associated with trace contamination by antibiotics and chlorinated volatile organics.

Design of hazardous pharmaceutical waste disposal system

The pharmaceutical industries produce various types of life saving drugs which use chemicals of the type of corrosive, toxic, inflammable and hazardous chemicals in the raw stage. In the recent...

Practical notes on pharmacy management: Part 2 Pharmaceutical waste disposal

The new waste regulations (Hazardous Waste Regulations, 2005) have made some traditional definitions obsolete. Waste from the practice should now be referred to as healthcare waste. Use of the word...

Pharmaceutical waste disposal by soil injection

Pharmaceutical waste disposal by soil injection

Land disposal of pharmaceutical manufacturing wastes

Land disposal of pharmaceutical manufacturing wastes