Harmonisation of Pharmaceutical Take-Back Systems in the EU
Kateřina Mitkidis1, Viktoria Obolevich1, Polymeros Chrysochou2
1Department of Law, Aarhus University 1006 Aarhus Denmark.
European Journal of Health Law
|October 5, 2021
Summary
Harmonizing pharmaceutical take-back systems across the EU can reduce environmental pollution from medicines. Implementing EU-wide guidelines for proper disposal of household pharmaceutical waste is crucial for ecosystem health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Policy
- Public Health
Background:
- Improper disposal of household pharmaceutical waste leads to environmental contamination.
- Pharmaceuticals in the environment pose risks to living species and ecosystems.
- The European Union (EU) mandates collection systems for unused medicines, but lacks harmonized guidelines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if harmonizing pharmaceutical take-back systems can mitigate environmental pollution.
- To identify appropriate regulatory measures for effective pharmaceutical waste management.
- To assess the impact of existing systems and citizen behavior on pharmaceutical pollution.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of regulatory frameworks for pharmaceutical take-back systems across EU Member States.
- Empirical study examining citizen beliefs and behaviors regarding medicine disposal in four European countries.
- Assessment of the potential for harmonized guidelines to improve system effectiveness.
Main Results:
- Significant variations exist in the implementation and utilization of pharmaceutical take-back systems across the EU.
- Harmonization of these systems presents a potential for increased effectiveness in reducing pharmaceutical pollution.
- Citizen behavior and beliefs play a role in the success of take-back programs.
Conclusions:
- The European Union possesses the competence and regulatory tools to harmonize pharmaceutical take-back systems.
- Harmonized guidelines are essential to mitigate pharmaceutical pollution effectively.
- Strengthening collection systems through EU-level regulation can protect environmental and public health.
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