Abstract

Pharmaceutical waste plays a crucial role in treating illnesses and preventing diseases and it has become a significant environmental pollutant. Households, as a primary source of pharmaceutical waste, often contribute to improper disposal practices that harm both public health and the environment. This research investigates the current state of pharmaceutical waste management (PWM) in household settings, focusing on public perceptions and disposal practices. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 500 participants, selected through convenience sampling, to assess the environmental pollution impact of household pharmaceutical waste (HPW) and the disposal methods employed. Descriptive statistical analysis is applied to evaluate the data, with additional simulation models used to estimate the environmental pollution consequences of improper disposal, such as discarding waste in trash bins, sinks, and drains. The simulation incorporated local environmental factors, including waste collection rates, population density, and water flow models. The results revealed that while 80% of respondents were aware of the risks associated with HPW, 55% disposed in regular trash bins, 3.5% poured it down drains, 4.2% disposed in kitchen sinks, and 2.3% in toilet sinks. Additionally, 9.1% of participants flushed medicines directly down the toilet. Although 77% of respondents agreed that HPW should be separated from general waste, only 30% participated in medicine return programs. Furthermore, 85% of respondents reported that data on suitable discarding methods is insufficient, and 70% expressed a need for more accessible disposal options. The findings underscore the need for more sustainable and accessible disposal programs, as well as increased public awareness, to mitigate the environmental risks of improper pharmaceutical waste disposal.