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A young woman discusses an experiment about expired medicines in a car.

What to do with medicines

Expired medicines must not be thrown in the trash because they are considered hazardous waste. I conducted an experiment to see how many pharmacies receive these medicines.

12 November 2021

Experiment on Expired Medicines

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Expired medicines must not be thrown into the trash, as they are considered hazardous waste. According to the law, ordinary citizens should be able to take them to any pharmacy, so that the pharmacies can then hand them over to specialized companies, which will incinerate them. Of course, it's bad that they are incinerated, but it would be even worse for them to end up in landfills, because there they would seep into the groundwater, into the underground waters, thus potentially making us sick.

I wanted to see how easy it is to hand in expired medicines at pharmacies. The result is in the video.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do with expired medications?

Expired medications should not be thrown in the trash, as they are considered hazardous waste. It is recommended to take them to any pharmacy, where they will be handed over to specialized companies for disposal.

Why can't I throw expired medications in the trash?

Throwing expired medications in the trash is dangerous because they can reach the groundwater and underground waters, which can cause health problems. Therefore, it is important to dispose of them properly.

What is the process for disposing of expired medications?

After being collected by pharmacies, expired medications are sent to specialized companies that incinerate them. This process is necessary to prevent environmental contamination.

What risks are there if expired medications end up in a landfill?

If expired medications end up in a landfill, there is a risk that chemicals will seep into the soil and groundwater, which can affect human health and the environment. It is essential to manage them correctly to avoid these situations.

How can I check if my pharmacy accepts expired medications?

To check if your pharmacy accepts expired medications, you can contact the pharmacy directly or consult its website. Usually, pharmacies are required by law to offer this service.

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