Medication Waste in West Yorkshire: Campaign Research report

Over £300 million worth of NHS prescription medicine is wasted every year, according to a 2021 study. This is a huge financial burden on the NHS, but there are also significant environmental impacts.

Incorrect disposal can pollute the water system and damage ecosystems, whilst avoidable waste adds to the NHS’s carbon footprint.

The Medication Waste in West Yorkshire: Campaign Research report was commissioned by NHS West Yorkshire ICB to understand how people across West Yorkshire acquire, store, and dispose of both over the counter and prescription medicines.

Insight gathered from NHS professionals working in pharmacies and primary care, members of several community groups and over 600 people who completed an online survey found that:

• Many people are aware that pills can be taken to a pharmacy for disposal. Creams are more likely to be kept or thrown in the bin.
• People typically dispose of their liquid medicines by putting them down the sink or toilet.
• People aren’t generally aware that over-the-counter medications can also be returned to the pharmacy.
• Understanding of the ‘why’ behind taking excess medication to a pharmacy is low.

This report will be used to inform decision making around prescribing and could inform the development of a campaign to reduce medication waste and its environmental impact in West Yorkshire.