Medicines cannot go down the sink, into general waste or into orange bag waste. They must be incinerated, and the waste code and container colour depend on the type of medicine. Non-cytotoxic medicines go into blue-lidded containers, and cytotoxic or cytostatic medicines, which include some cancer treatments, hormone treatments and some antivirals, go into purple-lidded containers for high-temperature incineration. Liquids, tablets, creams, inhalers and patches can usually go into the same blue container.
Controlled drugs need extra care. Stock controlled drugs must be denatured, usually using a denaturing kit, before they go into a pharmaceutical waste container, and the destruction must be properly recorded and in many cases witnessed by an authorised person. Aerosols and inhalers may need to be kept separate, depending on your contractor. We confirm what goes where, supply containers in the right sizes and collect them with full paperwork.
What is included
- Blue-lidded containers for non-cytotoxic medicines
- Purple-lidded containers for cytotoxic and cytostatic medicines
- Guidance on liquids, inhalers, aerosols and patches
- Denaturing kits for controlled drugs where needed
- Scheduled or on-request collections
- Correct waste codes for healthcare or household-returned medicines
- Consignment note for hazardous medicines waste
- Incineration at a permitted facility
Who it is for
- Community pharmacies with expired stock and patient returns
- Nursing homes disposing of residents' unwanted medicines
- GP surgeries and dispensing practices
- Aesthetics and private clinics with expired injectables
- Dental practices with local anaesthetics and other medicines
- Veterinary practices with expired veterinary medicines
How much does it cost?
As a guide, a pharmaceutical waste container in the UK typically costs £20 to £50 to collect and dispose of, with purple-lidded cytotoxic containers usually costing more than blue-lidded ones. See our full cost guide.