Act responsibly: Dispose of medicines correctly for a clean Berlin

Act responsibly: Dispose of medicines correctly for a clean Berlin

August 15, 2024 – 09:00

Pharma Deutschland e.V.

Berlin (ots)

The importance of proper medication disposal

Pharma Deutschland e.V. has launched a significant initiative to raise consumer awareness about the correct disposal of medicines. This education is critical to protecting our waterways and soils from harmful residues that can enter the environment through improper use of medications. Dr. Elmar Kroth, Managing Director of Science at Pharma Germany, emphasizes: “Medicines are essential for our health, but if disposed of improperly they can have a serious impact on the environment.”

The impact of improper disposal on the environment

A major problem when dealing with medicines is that many people throw expired or no longer needed medicines down the toilet or sink. This results in human medicines entering the water cycle and having a negative impact on the environment. In order to minimize this problem, Pharma Germany recommends not disposing of medicines in household waste or via wastewater. Instead, they should be disposed of properly via the residual waste bin or special collection points.

Practical tips for consumers

To support consumers, Pharma Germany provides a practical formula: “Wipe instead of washing”. Dr. Kroth recommends wiping off excess ointment with paper after application and then disposing of it in the trash before washing your hands. This significantly reduces the amount of trace substances in wastewater.

Be particularly careful with antibiotics

Another important aspect of drug disposal concerns antibiotics. Dr. Kroth warns that opened packs should never be stored as improper use can lead to antibiotic resistance, a growing problem in the healthcare sector.

Role of the pharmaceutical industry

Pharma Germany is also committed to the research and development of more environmentally friendly medicines. Dr. Kroth emphasizes that the pharmaceutical industry is working to develop drugs that are both highly effective and environmentally friendly. This is a key goal to ensure a healthy environment for future generations.

Information and support for consumers

Consumers can obtain comprehensive information about the proper disposal of medication on the website www.arzneimittelentsorgung.de, which is supported by the federal government. It should also be noted that the regulations for drug disposal in Germany vary from region to region. In many cities, waste containing pharmaceutical residues can be disposed of using special take-back systems, or pharmacies offer take-back campaigns.

Pharma Deutschland e.V. represents a total of around 400 companies in the pharmaceutical industry in Germany, which employ around 80,000 skilled workers. These companies ensure that patients have access to essential medicines, but also share responsibility for reducing the environmental impact of medicines.

The Pharma Deutschland press office is available for further information and specific contacts. The correct disposal of medicines is not only a building block for environmental protection, but also an essential responsibility of each and every one of us.

Press contact:

Your contact person in the Pharma Germany press office:

Hannes Hönemann, Head of Press and Public Relations Department, T. 030 | 3087596-138, hoenemann@pharmadeutschland.de

Aileen Wagefeld-Dalitz, CvD Press and Public Relations, T. 030 | 3087596-123, wagefeld@pharmadeutschland.de

Berlin office, Pharma Deutschland e. V., Friedrichstrasse 134, 10117 Berlin

Bonn office, Pharma Deutschland e. V., Ubierstraße 71-73, 53173 Bonn

www.pharmadeutschland.de

Original content from: Pharma Deutschland e.V., transmitted by news aktuell