Act responsibly: Dispose of medicines correctly for a clean Berlin

Act responsibly: Dispose of medicines correctly for a clean Berlin

15.08.2024 - 09:00

Pharma Deutschland e.V.

Berlin (ots)

The importance of the correct pharmaceutical disposal

Pharma Deutschland e.V. has started an important initiative in order to sharpen consumers' awareness of the correct disposal of medicinal products. This clarification is crucial to protect our waters and soils from harmful residues that can get into the environment due to improper use of medication. Dr. Elmar Kroth, Managing Director of Science at Pharma Germany, emphasizes: "Medicines are indispensable for our health, but can put a heavy burden on the environment in improper disposal."

The influence of improper disposal on the environment

A main problem when dealing with medicinal products is that many people have expired or no longer needed medication via the toilet or the sink. This means that human medicinal products get into the water cycle and have negative effects on the environment. In order to minimize this problem, Pharma Germany recommends not to dispose of medicines in household waste or wastewater. Instead, they should be given properly via the residual waste bin or special return points.

practical tips for consumers

To support consumers, Pharma Germany provides a practical memory formula: "Wipe instead of washing". Dr. Kroth recommends wiping excess ointment with paper after applying and then disposing of it in the waste before the hands are washed. This significantly reduces the amount of trace fabrics in the wastewater.

special caution in antibiotics

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

role of the pharmaceutical industry

pharma Germany is also involved in the research and development of more environmentally friendly drugs. Dr. Kroth emphasizes that the pharmaceutical industry is working to develop medication 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 find out comprehensive information on the proper disposal of medication on the website www.arzneimitterschienst.de 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 with pharmaceutical residues can be disposed of via special return systems, or pharmacies offer withdrawal actions.

Pharma Germany e.V. represents a total of around 400 companies in the pharmaceutical industry in Germany that employ around 80,000 skilled workers. These companies ensure that patients have access to important medicines, but also give responsibility to reduce the environmental impact of drugs.

The Pharma Germany press office is available for further information and specific contacts. The correct disposal of medicinal products is not only a building block for environmental protection, but also an essential responsibility of each individual.

Press contact:

Your contact 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

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

Bonn, Pharma Germany e. V., Ubierstraße 71-73, 53173 Bonn

www.pharmadeutschland.de

Original content by: Pharma Deutschland e.V., transmitted by News Aktuell