USA
|
Some programs are run by the DEA [23], specific counties [25], and by local communities [42]
|
The law enables hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and drug producers to collect unused drugs [22]. In several counties and in one state (MA) there are legislations regarding forcing pharmaceutical companies to fund the collection and destruction of household medical waste [26–28]
|
Drug collection events, secured drop boxes, collection by law enforcement agencies and pharmacies [23–25, 43]
|
Usually DEA, law enforcement agencies and NGOs [20]. In specific counties, the Pharmaceutical companies [27]
|
0.01 kg/capita [44]
|
Canada
|
Most of the provinces and territories run such programs (See Table 3)
|
Household medical waste laws in several provinces [17, 18]
|
Drug collection events, secured drop boxes, and pharmacies [17, 18]
|
Government/pharmaceutical industry/pharmacies [17, 18]
|
Varies between provinces (on average 0.01-0.02 kg/capita) [18, 45, 46]
|
Hungary
|
Recyclomed [15, 47]
|
The law obliges the pharmaceutical industry to establish and operate a disposal system or give this duty to another organization [15]
|
Pharmacies and other selling points, containers in specific collection points [15]
|
Pharmaceutical Industry Groups [15]
|
0.02 kg/capita [15]
|
UK
|
No program
|
According to the UK environmental protection act and additional regulations, all Pharmacies are obliged to accept back unwanted medicines from patients [48].
|
All Pharmacies and hospitals [16, 48]. In addition, there are several local initiatives for collecting medical waste from homes [49]
|
Local governments [15].
|
Not available
|
Australia
|
RUM (Return Unwanted Medicines) [31]
|
Each state and territory have their own regulation regarding medicine disposal (embedded in the Drugs and Poisons Acts of each individual state)
|
Special containers mounted in all pharmacies [31]
|
Funded by the government until end of June 2018; then will be reconsidered. [31]
|
0.03 kg/capita [31]
|
Israel
|
No program
|
No legislation
|
HMO pharmacies are obliged to receive medicines from the public.
|
The Israeli Ministry of Health
|
13.9 % of the population [40]
|