Waste Management in Pharmacy

Waste is an integral part of our lives and over the years environmental awareness has increased. Ever since joining the European Union in 2004, Malta has been trying hard to conform to European standards as requested by legislation. Improvements have been registered in several sectors; however the management of waste pharmaceuticals has not yet been given the right importance. Inappropriate disposal of pharmaceutical waste is resulting in serious repercussions on all living organisms and the environment. Various studies demonstrate serious adverse effects that will result if immediate action is not taken to properly manage pharmaceutical waste. This dissertation draws findings of a scientific study on the current pharmaceutical waste management practices in pharmaceutical industries, hospitals, community pharmacies and households in Malta; with the latter two also compared to practices in Bonn, Germany. A guidance plan for the interdisciplinary management of consumers' pharmaceutical waste is proposed.