[e-drug] Waste Management (cont)

["J.W.F. van Mil" <jwfvmil@wxs.nl>]

E-drug: Waste Management (cont)
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Hi all,

In the Netherlands all pharmacies collect medicine waste. We have
a special contract with either the town or a specialised collecting
agency (for which the pharmacies pay), to have the waste burned
at a sufficient high temperature.
This movement started approx. 15 years ago with a 'brown bag'
action, and ever since it is emphasised that old medicines should
be returned to a pharmacy. We also collect needles and syringes
from diabetes patients, although that officially is a duty of the
communities. I have the impression that in NL now all medicines
are returned to pharmacies. We collect approx 15 kg every two
weeks for 10.000 patients.

Foppe

Foppe van Mil, PhD, Pharm D. Pharmacy practice consultant
   Margrietlaan 1, NL 9471 CT Zuidlaren, The Netherlands
Tel: +31 50 4094333. Fax +31 50 4090732. Email: jwfvmil@wxs.nl
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