Safe disposal of unused medicines — A One Health Approach for National Systems

Pharmaceuticals play a critical role in safeguarding human and animal health. However, their release into the environment—particularly through the improper disposal of unused medicines—poses significant risks, such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), endocrine disruption and toxicity.

Unused medicines arise from multiple factors, such as changes in treatment, over-prescription, non-adherence and supply mismanagement across both human and veterinary sectors. These challenges are increasingly recognized in countries’ National Action Plans on AMR and global policy discussions. Nevertheless, the absence of a coordinated and holistic approach continues to hinder the effective implementation of safe disposal practices, contributing to environmental pollution and public health risks.

In response, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has developed the guidance Safe Disposal of Unused Medicines – A One Health Approach for National Systems. The guidance provides a systematic, comprehensive and multisectoral framework to support countries in strengthening national systems for the safe disposal of unused human and veterinary medicines.

Grounded in a One Health approach, the guidance emphasizes the interconnections between human health, animal health and the environment. It focuses on key sectors—healthcare, agriculture, pharmaceutical industry and households—and is structured around four foundational pillars:

• Waste prevention
• Comprehensive take-back schemes
• Legal and policy frameworks
• Awareness-raising

The guidance also offers stepwise approaches, practical examples and enabling conditions to support implementation across diverse national contexts.

Leading experts joining the panel of this event will launch the UNEP guidance and support its uptake at both national and global levels. The event will present the key findings and recommendations of the guidance, showcase selected global, regional and national experiences, and facilitate knowledge exchange on challenges and practical approaches to implementation. It will also promote cross‑sectoral dialogue and partnerships essential for developing and strengthening national systems for the safe disposal of unused medicines.

Context

This online event is part of the “Addressing Pharmaceuticals in the Environment through a Lifecycle Approach” Event Series, co-organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Geneva Environment Network (GEN). This event will launch a new guidance providing a systematic, comprehensive and multisectoral framework to support countries in strengthening national systems for the safe disposal of unused human and veterinary medicines.