Pharmaceutical waste

Pharmaceutical Waste

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Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal Services

Pharmaceutical waste disposal is the safe disposal of waste that includes controlled drugs and expired medications in line with regulations. Disposing of this type of waste correctly is essential for protecting the environment against ecological damage and the general public from the misuse of prescription and controlled drugs, as outlined in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.  

Classification of pharmaceutical waste is important. Cytotoxic and cytostatic medicines are considered hazardous and must be disposed of in the purple waste stream whereas other medicines are considered non-hazardousand must be disposed of in the blue waste stream

At Initial Medical we offer a range of pharmaceutical waste containers from our new cardboard and Griff Pacs to rigid pharmaceutical waste bins, we can also provide controlled drug denaturing kits to render these medicines unusable prior to final disposal. Understanding the correct protocol for this type of  waste management is vital for any business, that's why we offer a range of support including free compliance audits, online learning resources and downloadable posters and guides including our follow the colour code and how to tie a clinical waste bag.

 

What goes into a Pharmaceutical waste container?

Examples of pharmaceutical waste products include; expired liquid or tablet medication that is partially used or no longer usable because of contamination or damage.

Examples of Pharmaceutical waste

  • Controlled drugs
  • Partially used or expired medication
  • Liquid medication
  • Solid medication, such as Individual tablets or pills and blister packs
  • Anaesthetic cartridges
  • Empty liquid medicine bottles
  • Ointment tubes full, part used and empty
  • Used vials, such as those from vitamin shots

How to Dispose of Pharmaceutical Waste?

Pharmaceutical waste must be disposed of in its original packaging. Liquids and solids must be kept in separate bins, so make sure you notify staff about these waste disposal requirements and position your pharmaceutical waste bins appropriately.


Once you have correctly segregated your pharmaceutical waste, you must store these containers out of the way of staff, patients, visitors and particularly children, preferably in a lockable space and kept separate from other waste streams, such as clinical and offensive waste.
Having a proper pharmaceutical waste management plan and regular waste collections scheduled ensures you are compliant and avoids the build-up of ageing pharmaceutical waste being left on your premises.

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Initial Medical: Your Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal Expert

We provide bespoke solutions, working with you to understand your business needs, from correct bin size, location, quantity and collection schedules.

  • Compliance guaranteed - With regular advice and compliance audits, we ensure your pharmaceutical waste disposal adheres to all current government regulations. For all transfers of dentatured controlled drugs or any other hazardous pharmaceutical waste,you will receive a hazardous waste consignment note which must accompany any transfer of hazardous waste from a premise according to current government regulations. For all transfers of non-hazardous pharmaceutical waste you will receive an annual waste transfer note. 

  • Accredited technicians - Our ADR-accredited technicians are licensed to collect and carry dangerous goods including hazardous, pharmaceutical and clinical waste ready for onward disposal.

  • Scalable solutions - We offer a range of pharmaceutical waste bins and controlled drug kits and tailor your collection to suit your budget and needs.

  • Sustainable waste management - Our practices range from paperless documentation to our eco-friendly pharmaceutical containers which are made from 100% recycled plastic. We reuse energy from waste disposal solutions for recycling and are an ISO 14001:2015 environmentally accredited organisation.

  • Peace of mind - Knowing that your pharmaceutical waste is handled safely, and disposed of responsibly, provides you with the reassurance and peace of mind to get back to your day job.

  • Expertise - Our Initial Medical team of experts provide advice and offer free CPD-accredited online learning courses and resources. We also provide downloadable posters and support materials such as our Follow The Colour Code and how to tie a clinical waste bag resources to enhance your understanding of clinical waste disposal.

  • Document storage at your fingertips - Our MyInitial online platform allows you to access your invoices and your waste transfer documents at any time online. You can download these for your records, and for multiple locations or store it safely online to ensure you are compliant with your waste legislation.