Safe management of pharmaceutical waste from health care facilities: global best practices

Overview

This document provides a summary of existing, relevant recommendations for the safe management of pharmaceutical waste and uses case studies to illustrate best practices for managing pharmaceutical waste. It focuses on pharmaceutical waste generated in health care settings, including secondary and tertiary hospitals, primary care centres, dental clinics and laboratories. The scope covers pharmaceutical waste produced during routine operations as well as in outbreaks and emergencies. This category of waste includes unused medications, unsealed pharmaceutical products, loose or bulk tablets and capsules, and pharmaceuticals damaged in cold chain storage.