Safe Disposal of Unwanted Medicines and Medical Waste?

Introduction

Have you wondered how to dispose of unwanted or expired medicines, injections, syrups and tablets? Household medical waste includes medicines and potentially infectious materials such as syringes, needles, scalpels, gloves, gauze and bandages. These should not be disposed of in regular garbage or flushed down the drain as they can contribute to the spread of viruses, hurt garbage handlers, infect animals and humans, contaminate water, soil and landfills, and pollute the environment.

Why expired medicines can be dangerous:

Expired medicines may not work effectively and, in some cases, can break down into toxic compounds. According to experts, medicines like antibiotics, heart medications, thyroid drugs, and injections like epinephrine lose their potency over time. This could lead to ineffective treatment or even serious complications such as antibiotic resistance or allergic reactions. Children and pets are especially vulnerable, and therefore, expired drugs must be stored safely and kept out of their reach.

You must have seen very strict procedures in hospitals for the segregation of medical waste & proper disposal. There can be colour bins for each waste; each has a different disposal procedure.

Unfortunately, in India, we do not have such a standard for household disposal of medical waste. We can and need to be more alert and act responsibly to protect ourselves and others.

Tips for safe disposal of medical waste:

• Return unused or expired medicines to medical stores, clinics, hospitals or your doctor. This can reduce the risk of accidental ingestion by humans or animals.

  
• Disposal of sharp items (needles, syringes, injection bottle caps): Collect sharp objects in a puncture-resistant container, leak-proof, and add a mark “biohazard”. Seal the container tightly. Do not flush down sharp objects, and never place them in regular household recycling bins as they pose serious risks to sanitation workers and the environment. Instead, use authorised collection containers or safe drop-off locations where available.

  
• Disposal of soiled or blood-stained items: Seal items like gauze, gloves, and bandages in a leak-proof plastic bag. Double-bagging provides extra protection. Place these bags in the trash, using bins with tight lids to prevent attracting animals.

  
• Disposal of dry medicines: Mix dry items with unpleasant materials if you cannot reach a disposal site, mix tablets and dry medicines with substances like used tea leaves, coffee powder and kitchen waste or mud to deter any unauthorised use.

  
• Flushing medicines is an effective way to get rid of unused medicines. But, do not flush all your medicine unless it is on the flush list. Some medicines are so toxic that they would still contaminate the environment. (See the list of flush medicines.)

  
• Tips to avoid accidental use. Store medicines in their original packaging and avoid cutting strips, as the expiry date may be lost. If tablets appear discoloured, powdery or smell unusual, do not consume them.

  

You may consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for specific handling requirements of certain medicines or waste. Consider using authorised collection sites like hospitals or RWA collection centres for any disposal of medical waste.