Pharmaceutical Waste Management Research Articles

Pharmaceutical Waste Management: Sustainable Practices in Pharmacy Setting

Pharmaceutical Waste Management: Sustainable Practices in Pharmacy Setting

Edukasi Penanganan Limbah Obat dan Limbah B3 Di Kelompok PKK Gonggangan, Bolon, Colomadu, Karanganyar

The management of hazardous and toxic waste (B3) and household pharmaceutical waste is a critical issue due to its adverse effects on human health and the environment. B3 waste, such as used batteries, light bulbs, spent oil, and aerosol cans, poses a significant risk of contaminating soil, water, and air if not properly managed. Pharmaceutical waste, including expired or damaged medications, also has the potential to harm public health. Improper disposal can lead to pollution, causing acute health problems such as neurological damage and respiratory disorders, as well as long-term risks such as cancer and genetic mutations. To address this issue, an community program was conducted for the community in Dusun Gonggangan, Bolon, Colomadu, Karanganyar, involving the local women's community group (PKK). The method employed consisted of education through presentations and interactive Q&A sessions. The materials covered waste identification, segregation, storage, and disposal according to proper waste management standards. Interactive discussions encouraged active community participation to understand and adopt responsible household waste management practices. The results showed an increase in community awareness regarding the proper management of B3 and household pharmaceutical waste. The implementation of appropriate waste management practices is expected to mitigate the negative impacts of waste on health and the environment. Thus, effective waste management contributes to improved public health and supports environmental sustainability and ecosystem preservation.

Pharmaceutical Waste Management in Healthcare: A Comprehensive Study on Environmental Implications, Current Practices and Strategies for Sustainable Solutions

Pharmaceutical Waste Management in Healthcare: A Comprehensive Study on Environmental Implications, Current Practices and Strategies for Sustainable Solutions

Pharmaceutical waste from a Danish hospital.

The healthcare sector is a major contributor of greenhouse gas emissions, and reduction and proper sorting of healthcare waste is essential to achieve sustainable healthcare. This study aimed to characterize the quantity and composition of pharmaceutical waste from a major Danish hospital. Pharmaceutical waste was collected from Odense University Hospital, including departments located in both Odense and Svendborg. The average daily production of pharmaceutical waste was 1150 g/day in Odense and 5967 g/day in Svendborg, with the operating rooms in Svendborg contributing 3143 g/day. The amount and composition of pharmaceutical waste varied greatly between departments, but some common patterns were identified. Propofol accounted for about one third of the pharmaceutical waste obtained from operating rooms. Antibiotics for systemic use constituted a significant proportion of the pharmaceutical waste from several departments and were the therapeutic group from which most different drugs were identified. Paracetamol accounted for 33.5% of the discarded tablets/capsules in Odense and 12.6% in Svendborg. Medications dispensed by automated dose dispensing accounted for a significant proportion of the discarded tablets/capsules in departments using this service. This study highlights some key areas for reduction and management of pharmaceutical waste and contributes to the currently limited evidence within this area.

Degradation Acyclovir Using Sodium Hypochlorite: Focus on Byproducts Analysis, Optimal Conditions and Wastewater Application.

In recent years, the environmental impact of pharmaceutical residues has emerged as a pressing global concern, catalyzed by their widespread usage and persistence in aquatic ecosystems. Among these pharmaceuticals, acyclovir (ACV) stands out due to its extensive prescription during medical treatments for herpes simplex virus, chickenpox, and shingles, as well as its heightened usage amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. ACV is excreted largely unchanged by the human body, leading to significant environmental release through wastewater effluents. The urgency of addressing ACV's environmental impact lies in its potential to persist in water bodies and affect aquatic life. This persistence underscores the critical need for effective degradation strategies that can mitigate its presence in aquatic systems. This study focuses on employing sodium hypochlorite as an oxidative agent for the degradation of ACV, leveraging its common use in wastewater treatment plants. Our research aims to explore the kinetics of ACV degradation, identify and characterize its degradation byproducts, and optimize the conditions under which complete degradation can be achieved. By assessing the efficiency of sodium hypochlorite in real wastewater samples, this study seeks to provide practical insights into mitigating ACV contamination in aquatic environments. The novelty of this research lies in its comprehensive approach to understanding the degradation pathways of ACV and evaluating the feasibility of using sodium hypochlorite as a sustainable solution in wastewater treatment. By addressing the environmental concerns associated with ACV and offering practical solutions, this study contributes to the broader goal of sustainable pharmaceutical waste management and environmental stewardship.

Pharmaceutical Waste Management: A Comprehensive Analysis of Romanian Practices and Perspectives

Pharmaceutical Waste Management: A Comprehensive Analysis of Romanian Practices and Perspectives

Management of pharmaceutical waste in the Babylon Governorate

Globally, a massive amount of expired or leftover medications accumulates each year because of pharmaceutical overprescription, combined with overproduction. This pharmaceutical waste poses environmental, economic, and so-cial/ethical challenges. The objective of this study is to understand societal behavior regarding the disposal of medi¬cations in the Babylon Governorate and develop a prototype of a knowledge-based system that promotes proper disposal of pharmaceutical waste. A two-phase cross-sectional study was carried out. The first phase involved inter¬viewing pharmacists, while the second phase targeted the general population. A visit to Aljiumhori Hospital was made in order to assess the pharmaceutical waste disposal methods. The study found that most pharmacists (70%) and people (59.2%) prefer throwing expired medicine in the trash can. Moreover, 64.4% of the people participating in our study believe that placing unused drugs in special containers in each region is the best disposal method. Additionally, 48.2% of households are unaware of the environmental and health consequences of this waste. Pharmaceutical waste disposal in the Babylon Governorate is poorly managed. The absence of processes separating medical waste from general waste and the use of sanitary landfills as the sole method of disposal can pose serious environmental and public health risks. One can only address this issue with proper waste management, staff training, and protocol adherence.

Impact of Educational Intervention on Pharmaceutical Waste Management in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital-Healthcare Staff Centered Study

Expired and unused medicines are potentially toxic substances that should be managed effectively to avoid accumulation of potentially toxic pharmaceuticals in the hospital and environment. This study aimed to identify and assess the disposal practices of pharmaceutical waste at tertiary care teaching hospital. A cross-sectional prospective questionnaire study was conducted for a period of six months at tertiary care teaching hospital with a sample size of 120. Healthcare professionals above the age of 18 years were included in the study. Data from the questionnaire was analyzed using appropriate statistical tools and Chi-square test. A pre and post educational intervention study was conducted among 120 participants. The study found that 90.83% (109) participants were under the age group of 18-25 years. Among them 77.5% (93) were female and 22.5% (27) were male. Before intervention only 80.8% (97) participants were aware of different types of bags used to dispose pharmaceutical waste, whereas after educational intervention 97.5% (117) are aware of bags used to dispose pharmaceutical waste (x2=0.000<0.001). Before intervention 55.83% (67) of participants were known of drug takeback system, after intervention 99.16% (119) known of drug takeback system (x2=0.000<0.001). Majority of the study participants agreed that safe pharmaceutical disposal practice is an important concern in both pre and post study. Hence awareness and concern regarding the problem is high. It was observed that the knowledge of healthcare staff about pharmaceutical waste management was good. We found that educational programs can improve staff awareness level on pharmaceutical waste management.

Comprehensive Assessment of Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal Practices in Ishaka-Bushenyi Municipality: Implications for Public Health and Environmental Sustainability

Proper management of pharmaceutical waste is crucial for safeguarding public health and the environment. This study aimed to comprehensively assess pharmaceutical waste management practices in hospitals, pharmacies, and households within Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality, Uganda. The study employed a qualitative case study design, gathering data through observations, interviews, and questionnaires administered to five pharmacies, two hospitals, and 100 households. The results revealed that the mean amount of pharmaceutical waste generated by pharmacies and hospitals in Ishaka was 40.5 kg ± 32.39 kg per month, of which 26.83 kg ± 29.10 kg were disposed of safely. However, 60% of the waste was categorized as hazardous. The study found that while most facilities used labeled or color-coded containers for waste segregation, the practice of segregation was inconsistent, with 71.43% of the facilities not segregating their waste. Incineration (42.86%) and dilution followed by flushing in protected soak pits (42.86%) were the primary disposal methods employed by the facilities. Concerningly, only 4% of households returned unused or expired medications to pharmacies, with the majority disposing of them in dustbins (46%) or flushing them down toilets (41%). The findings also highlighted gaps in awareness and training, with 50% of pharmacy staff not receiving any training on proper pharmaceutical waste disposal, and only 14.29% of the facilities having established waste management guidelines. These deficiencies in knowledge and practices contribute to the suboptimal management of pharmaceutical waste, posing significant risks to public health and the environment. The study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive policies, targeted training programs, and community-based initiatives to enhance pharmaceutical waste management practices in Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality and similar settings. Addressing these challenges is crucial for mitigating the adverse impacts of improper pharmaceutical waste disposal and promoting sustainable healthcare waste management. Keywords: Pharmaceutical waste, Waste management, Disposal practices, Awareness, Hazardous waste.

Regulatory Gaps in Pharmaceutical Waste Management: A Case Study of Malaysia

Recent scientific studies emphasise the detrimental effects of pharmaceutical residues, such as antibiotics and endocrine disruptors, on aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. Improper disposal of pharmaceutical waste poses several risks, including the development of antimicrobial resistance and hormonal imbalances. This paper reviews Malaysia’s federal regulations on pollution and waste management to identify gaps in addressing pharmaceutical pollutants. A content analysis approach was employed, involving transcribing, reading, coding, categorizing, and identifying themes within the textual data. Recurring themes were then used to highlight gaps and opportunities for improving pharmaceutical waste management within the existing legal framework. The study discovered that while the current legal framework effectively manages pharmaceutical waste from point sources like healthcare facilities and manufacturing sites, there is a significant regulatory gap concerning household pharmaceutical waste. Such waste is neither regulated under environmental pollution laws nor included in hazardous or solid waste management regimes, posing a considerable risk to the country’s environment. The study recommends adopting extended producer responsibility to improve household pharmaceutical waste management and highlights the potential role of solid waste legislation in achieving this goal. By prioritizing pharmaceutical waste regulation and adopting proactive environmental protection measures, Malaysia can safeguard public health, ensure a cleaner ecosystem, and strengthen its commitment to sustainable environmental management. The study also noted that many developed nations have already integrated pharmaceutical markers into their water quality monitoring standards. Therefore, Malaysia should begin monitoring emerging pharmaceutical pollutants as well. Updating the National Water Quality Index to include pharmaceutical residues will further enhance efforts to protect the environment.

An assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practices toward ecopharmacology among health-care professionals at a tertiary care center – A cross-sectional study

Background: Ecopharmacology, a field emerging at the intersection of pharmacology and environmental science, focuses on the impact of pharmaceuticals on ecosystems and public health. Given the increasing recognition of environmental issues associated with pharmaceutical waste, understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of health-care professionals (HCPs) toward ecopharmacology is crucial. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to assess KAP toward ecopharmacology among HCPs at a tertiary care center. Materials and Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study employed a pre-validated self-administered structured online questionnaire for data collection, conducted between October 2023 and December 2023. The questionnaire consisted participant’s demographic data, profession, designation, and department and 20 questions to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of HCPs regarding ecopharmacology. The data were subsequently analyzed and presented as percentages. Results: Out of 320 consenting participants 300 HCPs satisfactorily completed the questionnaire with a response rate of 93.75%. In our study, a significant majority of participants (97%) demonstrated awareness of the potential hazards posed to public safety by expired or unused medicines if not disposed of properly. A considerable proportion of participants (80.4%) acknowledged that pharmaceutical pollution can contribute to antibiotic resistance. Most participants strongly supported environmentally responsible medication disposal, advocating for guidelines, collection boxes in health-care facilities, and manufacturer involvement. Regarding practice, 76.5%, of participants admitted to pouring leftover syrup or lotion into the wash basin. A vast majority (95%) expressed their willingness to engage in proper medication disposal programs. Conclusion: The present study highlights a significant level of awareness and concern regarding pharmaceutical waste management among HCPs. However, there is an urgent need for initiatives to educate HCPs about appropriate medication disposal methods and to encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly practices.

A questionnaire-based study on the knowledge, attitude, and the practice of ecopharmacology among the healthcare professionals in Amaltas Medical College and Hospital, Dewas, Madhya Pradesh

Background: Ecopharmacology which deals with the health hazards posed by discarded or used medicinal products in the environment, is a globally emerging issue. There are guidelines for pharmaceutical waste management (like GMP and FDA guidelines) for the manufacturing units, pharmacists and consumers. However, it is uncertain whether consumers are aware of it. Before beginning the process of creating awareness, it is first necessary to assess the existing knowledge of the issue in the community. This study was planned to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of ecopharmacology in the medical personnel and students in our institute. Methods: It was a questionnaire based cross-sectional observational study. Study population included MBBS students, nursing students and resident doctors. Total 500 consenting participants were enrolled and subjected to a structured KAP questionnaire and data was expressed in percentage. Questionnaire consisted of 20 questions out of which 3 were open ended and remaining closed ended. Results: Present study result showed that 73% respondents had heard of term ecopharmacology and majority (98%) felt that it was their responsibility to protect environment from pharmaceutical waste. Responses from 83% of participants indicated that they were worried about the excess medicines at their homes. 87% of participants threw it in garbage bin, but (58%) were unsure whether their drug disposing method was safe and 25% knew it was unsafe. Most respondents (94%) felt that there should be guidelines for safe disposal of expired/unused drug and were enthusiastic about participating in campaign for this issue. Medical personnel also suggested some solutions to deal with this problem. Conclusions: Awareness and concern regarding the problem is high however in absence of knowledge of methods of safe disposal of unused drug, it is not transforming into safe disposal practices.

Environmental educational activities in hospitals for health personnel: An integrative review EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN HOSPITALS FOR HEALTH PERSONNEL: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Introduction: Among the fastest growing initiatives relating the health sector with the environment are green hospitals, sustainable hospitals, which seek to mitigate the social, environmental, economic and health impacts caused by the permanent operation of these institutions in the world. Objective: Synthesize the evidence of environmental educational interventions in hospitals for health personnel worldwide. Methodology: An integrative review was carried out on the advances related to environmental educational activities in health institutions aimed at health personnel. For the search, 7 databases were used: Pubmed, Virtual Health Library, Scopus, EMBASE, Plos One, EBSCO and Cochrane, from January 2011 to May 2021. The search terms were selected based on the question of research and the PICO strategy. Results: Of 3,246 documents, 11 were retained for the study, finding the main results of the review in 4 categories: 1) educational interventions in waste management of health services in hospitals; 2) interventions in pharmaceutical waste management; 3) interaction activities with the local community and; 4) educational strategies for the clinical and environmental approach. Conclusions: Environmental educational activities for health personnel in hospitals should be connected with an expansion of professional training in sustainability issues, linking environmental variables with the strategies of health institutions in search of an environmental culture.

Practice and awareness about unused and expired drug disposal among village people and city people in Bangladesh

Medical waste is dangerous and infectious. Prior to final disposal, it needs special handling because it poses substantial risks to the environment. The issue is getting worse as there are more hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic labs rising up all throughout Bangladesh. The majority of individuals do not know how to properly dispose of their unused or expired medications. The purpose of this study was to determine how well-informed city dwellers and villagers in various regions of Bangladesh were regarding the practices for discarding unused and expired medications. This study used a structured questionnaire and face-to-face interviews to conduct a descriptive, cross-sectional study. A total of 200 true questionnaires with a 100% response rate were returned. The all respondents (200) fell into one of two categories: city dwellers or villagers (n = 100; 50%). More than half of city dwellers and villagers expressed a nearly same attitude towards storing medications at home. Analgesics and gastrointestinal agents were the two classes of leftover medications that were most frequently used. Alarmingly, 94 (47%) of the respondents said they typically dumped their unused medications in the dustbin. However, roughly 45% of respondents felt that it is crucial for chemists to provide patients with advice on how to properly dispose of their medications. There are gaps in routine drug disposal procedures, necessitating the development of pharmaceutical waste management systems that are both affordable and supported by government regulatory agencies and public awareness campaigns. Patients should receive training from healthcare professionals and neighbourhood chemists on proper medication disposal procedures.

ANALISISI PERILAKU PENYIMPANAN DAN PEMBUANGAN OBAT MASYARAKAT RW 18 KELURAHAN DUREN JAYA BEKASI

Storage and disposal of drugs is an activity to manage medicines at home. This has become a worldwide concern, because in everyday behavior it is found that storage and disposal are still carried out inappropriately. The lack of community willingness to do this creates problems that will arise in the future. This study aims to determine the behavior of storing and disposing of drugs in RW 18 Duren Jaya Village, East Bekasi. Methods: This study used an analytical survey research method, namely a cross sectional survey. Sampling was carried out in a non-random way, namely purposive sampling technique with inclusion criteria aged 17-55 years and had been storing and disposing of drugs. 95 respondents participated in this study. The results showed that 52 respondents (55%) had unused or expired drugs. Among them have received information about how to dispose of drugs as much as 63%. In addition, almost all respondents received information about drug storage as much as 75%. In the analysis of the level of drug storage behavior, it was found that 92 respondents (96.8%) behaved well and the analysis of the level of drug disposal behavior found that 62 respondents (65.3%) behaved fairly. The conclusion shows that drug storage has been carried out properly while disposal behavior is still lacking, so further socialization is needed regarding good household pharmaceutical waste management.

Facial synthesis of an efficient magnetic composite adsorbent using multiwalled carbon nanotubes and frankincense resin for the removal of amoxicillin pharmaceutical pollutants

We developed a new composite material (Fr@MMWCNTs) consisting of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and frankincense gum (Fr-gum) functionalized with magnetic nanoparticles. The Fr@MMWCNTs has been characterized through various techniques such as FTIR, TGA, XRD, EDS, SEM, and HR-TEM, which revealed carbon nanotubes with external diameters ranging from 10 to 90 nm. The carbon nanotubes are surrounded by gum material and magnetite nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 5 to 15 nm. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm model (R2 > 0.982). studies focused on Amoxicillin (AMO) and demonstrated that the developed composite has a high adsorption capacity at 293 K was calculated to be 322.6 mg/g, which is higher than other carbon-based adsorbents. The kinetics of adsorption were accurately described by the pseudo-second-order model with a rapid adsorption rate of 25 mins. At 293 K, the process is feasible with a ΔG° of −3.16 kJ/mol. The ΔH° value of 3.6 kJ/mol suggests that the process is endothermic and physisorption. The composite has an affinity for adsorbing AMO, as shown by the ΔS° of 23.2 J/K/mol. This nanocomposite exhibits a significant ability to adsorb substances and possesses favorable thermodynamic parameters, making it a suitable material for a variety of applications, particularly in the areas of water treatment and management of pharmaceutical waste.

Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal Current Practices and Regulations: Review

The improper disposal of pharmaceutical waste has become an increasingly important environmental and public health concern in recent years. Pharmaceutical waste includes unused, expired, or unwanted medications that can be harmful if they end up in the environment or are improperly handled. This can include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and veterinary drugs. Pharmaceutical waste can be generated by a variety of sources, including healthcare facilities, households, and veterinary clinics. Improper disposal of these medications can lead to water and soil contamination, as well as potential harm to wildlife and humans. In addition, pharmaceutical waste can contribute to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance and other environmental issues. To address these concerns, various disposal methods have been developed to ensure the safe and effective management of pharmaceutical waste. These methods include disposal in the trash, take-back programs, incineration, and landfill disposal. However, there is still a need for improved awareness and education on proper disposal practices among healthcare professionals, patients, and the general public. This review article aims to provide an overview of the current practices and regulations related to pharmaceutical waste disposal and the challenges and opportunities for improvement in this area. Through a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature on this topic, this article will highlight the importance of proper pharmaceutical waste disposal and the need for continued research and policy interventions to ensure a safe and sustainable approach. Our article highlights the importance of proper pharmaceutical waste disposal and the need for improved awareness and education on this topic among healthcare professionals, patients, and the general public.

Assessment of the Pharmaceutical Waste Management System in Jordan: Regulations and System Characteristics

Assessment of the Pharmaceutical Waste Management System in Jordan: Regulations and System Characteristics

Pharmaceutical waste management system – Are the current techniques sustainable, eco-friendly and circular? A review

Most households and healthcare facilities usually dispose of contaminated, unused, or expired (CUE) medicines with municipal wastes, the disposal of which usually amounts to $790/ton in the USA and £450/ton in the UK. Solid (e.g., tablets, capsules, powders) and semi-solid (e.g., ointment, creams) pharmaceuticals are managed with incineration/pyrolysis, encapsulation, and engineered landfills, whereas wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are recommended for liquid pharmaceutical wastes (PWs). However, to date, the sustainability and eco-friendliness profile of these techniques are only subjectively ensured, leading to controversial viewpoints in many guidelines. Each technique has relative strengths and weaknesses, and their comparative weighting to maximize these profiles is sought after. The present comprehensive review aims to fulfil knowledge gaps in this regard. Four electronic databases (e.g., PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and ScienceDirect) were searched for PW management (PWM)-related qualitative and quantitative articles published till December 31, 2022. Articles without details of waste disposal techniques and their health and environmental impacts were excluded. Based on the literature review, we determine that incineration can be considered a sustainable option for solid and semi-solid PWs, and WWTPs can be eco-friendly for liquid PWs, whereas encapsulation and landfilling are less sustainable. It is high time that objectively proven sustainable and eco-friendly techniques be implemented for PWM based on their dosage forms or nature of hazards. Medicine take-back, eco-pharmacovigilance, extended producer responsibility, co-payment, and life cycle analysis of pharmaceuticals focusing on reduction, reuse/re-dispensing can be integrated to make existing models sustainable, circular, and eco-friendly.

Environmental Impact and Sustainable Solutions for Pharmaceutical Waste Management: An Empirical Investigation

The expansion of the pharmaceutical industry has raised concerns about the environmental repercussions stemming from pharmaceutical waste. Inadequate management of waste and disposal have caused hazardous chemicals to be released into the environment, putting the wildlife and people in danger. This summary delves into the environmental consequences of pharmaceutical waste and highlights sustainable solutions for efficient waste management. Pharmaceutical waste encompasses expired or unused medications, packaging materials, and by-products from manufacturing processes. It contains biologically active compounds that can persist in the environment for extended periods. These materials have been found in lakes, soil, and animals, and can cause an imbalance in the ecology and can damage different marine species. To make matters worse, incorrect disposal of pharmaceutical drugs can pollute drinking water, thus posing a serious risk to people's health. Addressing these pressing issues necessitates the implementation of sustainable solutions for pharmaceutical waste management. This abstract explores various approaches, including source reduction, proper disposal practices, and the adoption of advanced treatment technologies. Source reduction involves minimizing the generation of pharmaceutical waste by implementing measures such as improved inventory management and the development of eco-friendly manufacturing processes. Less waste generated can help the environment. The right way to discard medicines is to drop them off at designated areas or take advantage of return programs. These initiatives aim to prevent inappropriate disposal of pharmaceuticals in household waste or by flushing them down the toilet. By establishing dedicated channels for disposal, the risks of environmental contamination can be significantly reduced. Additionally, the exploration of advanced treatment technologies, such as incineration, chemical treatment, and biodegradation, is crucial for effective pharmaceutical waste management. These technologies aim to eliminate or neutralize hazardous compounds present in pharmaceutical waste, thereby minimizing the environmental impact.