AESGP

Medicines Return and Disposal Campaign

Belgian Association of the Consumer Healthcare Industry (BACHI) | pharma.be|Belgium |Ongoing / Annual
Environment & Sustainability
Disposal of Medicines
Healthcare Professional Engagement Public Engagement & Awareness
Published on
Modified on

In Belgium, the safe return and disposal of expired and unused medicines is a year-round initiative jointly managed by pharmacists, wholesaler-distributors, the pharmaceutical industry, parallel importers, and regional authorities. Recognising that medicines are not ordinary products and should never be discarded in the garbage or wastewater systems, this initiative aims to protect public health and the environment by ensuring that pharmaceutical waste is collected, destroyed, or recycled properly.

Objectives

  • Raise awareness of the environmental and health risks of improper medicine disposal.
  • Promote the safe collection and recycling of expired or unused medicines.
  • Support a circular mindset in the use of pharmaceuticals.

Target Audience

  • General public
  • Community pharmacists as key intermediaries in the collection process

Key Activities and Approach

  • Year-round medicine collection service offered at community pharmacies
  • Annual awareness campaigns, supported by: sorting guides to clarify which items pharmacists can accept; informational screens in pharmacies at key times of the year; joint press releases by APB and Ophaco (pharmacy associations); newsletters and social media updates
  • The campaign’s communication materials encourage safe habits while reinforcing the environmental value of pharmaceutical waste management

Impact and Result

Metrics (2024)

  • Flanders: 33,434 boxes collected = 436,823 kg
  • Wallonia: 16,443 boxes collected = 214,831 kg
  • Brussels: 4,933 boxes collected = 64,449 kg
  • Total: More than 700 tons of pharmaceutical waste collected in one year

    Insights and Takeaways for Others

    • Community pharmacies are effective collection hubs and trusted public access points
    • Providing clear sorting information increases both consumer participation and process efficiency
    • Collaborative, multisector efforts lead to stronger results and long-term environmental impact
    • Promoting responsible medicine disposal can also spark consumer reflection on their self-care habits and medicine use

    Additional Resources and Contact