KARACHI: A recently published study has revealed widespread unsafe disposal of pharmaceutical waste in the city, though people are generally aware that inappropriate disposal of such refuse is a major source of environmental pollution and contamination.
The research conducted at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jinnah Sindh Medical University (IPS-JSMU) calls for establishing easy-to-access drug takeback programmes and stronger regulatory frameworks to protect the environment.
Under the study, 2,000 adults from different localities of Karachi were interviewed to assess public awareness and practices regarding pharmaceutical waste disposal.
The findings showed that 86 per cent of respondents disposed of expired or unused medicines in household trash, while eight per cent flushed them down sinks or toilets.
Researchers found that 79pc of respondents kept the medicines at home for later use until they expired. Around 74pc participants were aware of the harmful effects of medicinal wastes but only four per cent were returning the unused medicines to community pharmacies and were aware of drug take back programmes.
According to the study published in the Allied Medical Research Journal, Karachi generates over 16,500 tonnes of municipal waste daily. Pharmaceutical waste includes expired or unused pharmaceutical products, spilt or surplus drugs, vaccines, or sera, and discarded bottles, boxes, gloves, masks, tubes, vials, blades, broken glass, and radioactive wastes.
It identifies the absence of easy medicine return mechanisms, inadequate waste transportation facilities and disposal sites, and the high cost of processing the waste as major hurdles in the management of such refuse.
The vast majority of the respondents — 95pc — considered government authorities, physicians and pharmacists equally responsible for propagating awareness on drug disposal through social and print media while almost all participants supported greater public education on the issue through schools, universities, healthcare providers, government agencies and the media.
“The study underscores the need for practical guidance and accessible disposal mechanisms for the public. Safe pharmaceutical waste management is not only an environmental issue but also an important public health priority,” says lead researcher Dr Erum Zaheer.
She points out that inappropriate disposal of such waste contributes to environmental pollution, contamination of water and food sources, accidental poisoning and the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
Principal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, JSMU, Prof Huma Ali, says that the findings point to a significant gap between awareness and safe disposal practices.
“Many people understand that pharmaceutical waste can be harmful, yet they lack information about proper disposal methods. There is an urgent need for public awareness campaigns, stronger regulatory frameworks and accessible medicine return systems.
The study recommends large-scale awareness campaigns, clear disposal guidelines, stronger legislation and the introduction of accessible medicine take-back programs to minimise environmental contamination and health risks associated with pharmaceutical waste.
Other researchers who took part in the study were: Dr Kiran Rafiq, Dr Shagufta Nesar and Dr Bushra Hina.
Published in Dawn, June 26 , 2026