Pharmaceutical Waste

What is Pharmaceutical Waste?

Pharmaceutical waste refers to any expired, unused, contaminated, damaged, or unwanted medicines and related products that are no longer suitable for use. These items should not be stored for longer than six months before destruction.

All expired, damaged, contaminated, or unwanted medicines must be segregated into the appropriate pharmaceutical waste stream prior to collection.

Controlled drugs often have additional legal requirements relating to storage, destruction, witnessing and documentation before disposal.

Pharmaceutical waste can pose significant risks to human health and the environment if it is not handled and disposed of correctly. Some substances may be toxic, flammable, hazardous, or harmful to wildlife and water systems.

Examples of Pharmaceutical Waste

Pharmaceutical waste includes:

  • Tablets and capsules
  • Liquid medicines
  • Vaccines
  • Creams and ointments
  • Empty medicine containers with residual product
  • IV fluids
  • Inhalers containing active ingredients

Medical Waste Bins

Storage of Pharmaceutical Waste

Pharmaceutical waste must be stored safely to prevent accidental exposure, contamination, unauthorised access, or environmental harm.

Storage of Controlled Drugs Awaiting Destruction

Examples of controlled drugs (CDs) include morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl and methylphenidate.

Controlled drugs awaiting destruction should:

  • Remain in the controlled drug cupboard or another approved secure location.
  • Be clearly identified as awaiting destruction and appropriately recorded.
  • Be protected from unauthorised access at all times.
  • Be denatured before disposal.

T28 Waste Exemption Certificate

Pharmacies, dispensing practices and veterinary surgeries that denature controlled drugs prior to disposal may be required to hold a registered T28 Waste Exemption. The T28 exemption allows authorised healthcare professionals to sort and denature waste controlled drugs on-site in compliance with the Misuse of Drugs Regulations before collection for final disposal. 1 

To register or find out more about a T28 Waste Exemption, visit the UK Government guidance page.

WGS can support customers with guidance on compliant controlled drug disposal processes and the use of denaturing kits as part of their waste management arrangements. 

Denaturing Kits

Denaturing is the process of making a drug unusable, irretrievable, and unsuitable for abuse or diversion prior to disposal. This ensures that the drug cannot be recovered or misused once discarded.

WGS can provide denaturing kits for the safe disposal of controlled drugs.

Denaturing Kit

Pharmaceutical Waste Containers

WGS provides a range of UN-approved pharmaceutical waste containers and theatre units to suit your waste production volumes and collection frequencies.

Our colour-coded, easy-to-use containers help ensure all discarded pharmaceutical waste can be safely sealed, stored and transported.

Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal

Due to the potential toxicity of pharmaceutical waste and the risk of unused medicines being diverted for inappropriate use, pharmaceutical and medicinal waste must be destroyed by high-temperature incineration.

Our ADR-trained drivers safely collect and transport pharmaceutical waste to licensed disposal facilities for compliant destruction.

Following disposal, we provide:

  • Consignment notes
  • Full digital traceability
  • Audit-ready documentation
  • Evidence of compliant collection, transport, and destruction

This documentation supports inspections, audits and regulatory compliance, ensuring you can demonstrate that the correct waste management procedures have been followed.

Types of Waste Streams
Correct waste segregation is essential for the safe and compliant disposal of healthcare and infectious waste. Our waste streams guide outlines colour-coded waste categories, hazardous and non-hazardous classifications and the relevant EWC codes to help your organisation manage waste correctly.
View Waste Streams
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