Presentation of a pilot project on the collection and safe disposal of medicines that are not subject to further use

25/ 10/ 2024

Recently, the Health Сare Committee of the European Business Association hosted a presentation of a pilot project focused on the collection and safe disposal of unused pharmaceuticals from the public. Launched in November 2023 in collaboration with JSC Farmak and the pharmacy chain Apteka Dobrogo Dnya, the project aims to address the environmental and social issue of disposing of expired or unused medicines, which often end up contaminating water, soil, and even food. The pilot project is currently operating in 30 pharmacies across Kyiv, where the public can safely return medicines for proper disposal. The project has an ambitious goal — not only to establish a system for the collection and disposal of pharmaceuticals but also to foster a culture of responsible handling of medicinal waste among the population. Importantly, the initiative aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6 Clean Water and Sanitation, Goal 12 Responsible Consumption and Production, and Goal 17 Partnerships for the Goals. The lack of a clear solution for the disposal of household medicines in Ukraine makes this project highly relevant. This initiative has already shown its first results. In the first month of its operation, approximately 7,700 litres of expired medicines were collected, and in the first 11 months, over 7,750 litres and 3,500 kilograms of pharmaceuticals were successfully disposed of. This reflects the active involvement of the public and the importance of such initiatives for improving the environmental situation in Ukraine. Health Minister Viktor Liashko also expressed his support for the project, emphasising the need to cultivate a culture of proper pharmaceutical disposal. This will not only protect the environment but also strengthen efforts against antimicrobial resistance — a key priority for both the Ministry of Health and the WHO. The pilot project is preparing to expand by involving new partners. Future plans include integrating the project into the legal framework, which will help establish mechanisms for the collection and disposal of household medicines at the national level. If your company wishes to join the disposal project, you can contact the Committee for further communication. We sincerely thank everyone who supports this initiative, which aims to protect the environment and create better conditions for Ukraine’s future. Learn more about the project at the link provided.

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Launched in November 2023 in collaboration with JSC “Farmak” and the pharmacy chain “Apteka Dobrogo Dnya,” the project aims to address the environmental and social issue of disposing of expired or unused medicines, which often end up contaminating water, soil, and even food. The pilot project is currently operating in 30 pharmacies across Kyiv, where the public can safely return medicines for proper disposal.

The project has an ambitious goal — not only to establish a system for the collection and disposal of pharmaceuticals but also to foster a culture of responsible handling of medicinal waste among the population. Importantly, the initiative aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6 “Clean Water and Sanitation,” Goal 12 “Responsible Consumption and Production,” and Goal 17 “Partnerships for the Goals.” The lack of a clear solution for the disposal of household medicines in Ukraine makes this project highly relevant.

This initiative has already shown its first results. In the first month of its operation, approximately 7,700 litres of expired medicines were collected, and in the first 11 months, over 7,750 litres and 3,500 kilograms of pharmaceuticals were successfully disposed of. This reflects the active involvement of the public and the importance of such initiatives for improving the environmental situation in Ukraine.

Health Minister Viktor Liashko also expressed his support for the project, emphasising the need to cultivate a culture of proper pharmaceutical disposal. This will not only protect the environment but also strengthen efforts against antimicrobial resistance — a key priority for both the Ministry of Health and the WHO.

The pilot project is preparing to expand by involving new partners. Future plans include integrating the project into the legal framework, which will help establish mechanisms for the collection and disposal of household medicines at the national level.

If your company wishes to join the disposal project, you can contact the Committee for further communication.

We sincerely thank everyone who supports this initiative, which aims to protect the environment and create better conditions for Ukraine’s future.

Learn more about the project at the link provided.