In a move to promote public health and environmental safety, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has released a new guidance document to ensure safe disposal of expired and unused medicines. The advisory aims to prevent antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and reduce health hazards caused by improper medicine disposal.

Key highlights

Support for all stakeholders

• The guidance helps manufacturers, retailers, hospitals, and the general public follow proper procedures.

• State and Union Territory drug controllers have been asked to promote adoption of the guidelines.

Disposal methods and rules

• Approved methods include landfilling after encapsulation, sewer disposal, chemical decomposition, and various levels of incineration.

• The guidance aligns with the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016, and outlines procedures for storage, transport, and final disposal.

Public-level initiatives encouraged

• States advised to set up collection programs and drug take-back sites for expired medicines.

• Chemist associations may partner with State Drug Authorities and certified waste agencies for disposal.

Involvement of government and healthcare institutions

• Procedures include safe disposal of samples collected by inspectors, hospital returns, and government medicine stock.

• Stakeholders must comply with timelines and documentation under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

Flushing guidance for specific medicines
The document includes a list of 17 medicines approved for safe flushing to prevent accidental exposure at home.The CDSCO’s new guideline is a timely step in tackling the environmental and public health threats caused by medicine waste. With a focus on compliance, public education, and inter-agency collaboration, the initiative strengthens India’s push to reduce AMR and encourage responsible pharmaceutical practices.