Why is the Separate Disposal of Expired Medicines Important?

Expired or leftover medications, also known as "waste pharmaceuticals," are not simply trash. Improper disposal can lead to soil and water contamination, disrupting ecosystems and even threatening our health. This is because the harmful substances in waste pharmaceuticals do not decompose naturally and remain in the environment for a long time, negatively impacting it.

Where should I dispose of waste pharmaceuticals?

Waste pharmaceuticals can be easily handled at home. Simply use a waste pharmaceutical collection box. These boxes are readily available at nearby pharmacies, health centers, and community centers.

Precautions when using waste pharmaceutical collection boxes

• Never dispose of medications that are still usable.
• Dispose of over-the-counter medications in their unopened primary packaging.
• Do not dispose of secondary packaging (such as cardboard boxes).

How to find waste pharmaceutical collection box locations

🔗 How to check the location of waste pharmaceutical collection boxes and disposal standards

• Smart Seoul Map: Seoul citizens can easily find nearby waste pharmaceutical collection boxes through the Smart Seoul Map.
• Public Data Portal: Provides location information for waste pharmaceutical collection boxes in 80 local governments nationwide.
• Local Government Website: You can find information related to waste pharmaceutical collection boxes on the website of your local government.

Why is the separate disposal of waste pharmaceuticals important?

Properly disposing of waste pharmaceuticals is the first step towards environmental protection. By separately disposing of waste pharmaceuticals, we can achieve the following effects.

• Prevention of soil and water contamination: Prevents harmful substances from waste pharmaceuticals from entering the soil and water, protecting the ecosystem.
• Protection of human health: Prevents diseases that may occur due to a contaminated environment.
• Resource recycling: Reduces resource waste by safely processing waste pharmaceuticals.

Let's practice separate disposal of waste pharmaceuticals together!

Separate disposal of waste pharmaceuticals requires the efforts of all of us. Small actions can lead to big changes. Starting today, let's properly dispose of waste pharmaceuticals and participate in environmental protection.

FAQ

• Q. Can I dispose of waste pharmaceuticals in the toilet?
  • A. Absolutely not. Waste pharmaceuticals disposed of in the toilet are not completely removed during the sewage treatment process and can flow into rivers, causing water pollution.
• Q. Where can I find waste pharmaceutical collection boxes?
  • A. They are easily found at pharmacies, health centers, and community centers. You can use the Smart Seoul Map or the Public Data Portal to find more precise locations.
• Q. What are the benefits of separately disposing of waste pharmaceuticals?
  • A. Separately disposing of waste pharmaceuticals prevents soil and water contamination, protects the ecosystem, and contributes to protecting human health.