Pharmaceutical Waste

Pharmaceutical Waste

Half-day course

·      Per person: £195 + VAT

·      In-house: From £500 + VAT, please enquire for a per-course quotation

This practical course looks at how to manage pharmaceutical waste from the point it is identified through to storage, documentation and transport. Participants explore how different medicines and waste sources affect classification, segregation and the controls needed for safe handling.

Suitable for pharmacy teams, healthcare professionals, practice and facilities staff, waste managers, and others who handle or oversee pharmaceutical waste.

Course content

Expired and returned medicines

Consider how expired, unused and returned medicines should be managed, including the importance of identifying the source and type of waste.

Classification and segregation

Explore pharmaceutical waste classification and segregation, including the distinction between ordinary medicinal waste and cytotoxic or cytostatic waste. Practical examples help participants consider which waste stream and container should be used in line with local procedures.

Storage and packaging

Review safe storage arrangements and packaging requirements, including how to keep waste secure and suitable for collection.

Documentation and transport

Understand the documentation and information needed when pharmaceutical waste is transferred, collected and transported. The course introduces relevant ADR considerations and how they relate to the waste’s transport classification.

What participants will gain

By the end of the course, participants should be better equipped to recognise common pharmaceutical waste streams, follow local segregation and storage procedures, and understand when classification, packaging, documentation or transport requirements need further attention.

The course uses practical examples to connect waste management decisions with transport controls. Pharmaceutical waste is not automatically dangerous goods for transport; the requirements depend on the classification of the particular waste.

For course dates, availability or booking information, contact us.