Summary
Addressing the growing challenges of emerging pollutants by introducing safe and accessible drug‑return schemes that prevent pharmaceuticals from entering wastewater and the wider environment.
The Challenge
Pharmaceuticals enter water systems through wastewater, effluent, and landfill leachate. Returning unused medicines safely can significantly reduce this pollution, but take‑back schemes are currently limited in the UK.
This challenge aims to:
- Reduce pharmaceutical concentrations in the water system entering via effluent and landfill leachate by safe disposal schemes.
- A follow‑up pilot could include both education and recycling to strengthen outcomes.
- Will tackle both education and recycling.
- Education in pharmacies and GP practices (through posters).
Potential Impact
- Improved water health by reducing pharmaceutical concentrations entering wastewater and river systems.
- Improved returns of unused pharmaceuticals have been observed in Scotland.
Barriers to Progress
- Lack of knowledge/insufficient awareness of environmental impacts.
- Pharmacies and doctors not be equipped or incentivised to offer return bins.
Timeframe
1‑year pilot project in Winchester
Potential Funders
- Pharmaceutical industry
Call to Action
Members are encouraged to:
- Submit ideas on effective drug‑return schemes, pilot design, or awareness campaigns
- Endorse promising ideas contributed by others
- Comment with insights on pharmacy engagement, behaviour change, or pollutant reduction
- Join a project team in the next stage to develop and deliver the Winchester pilot and evaluate outcomes