Medical waste management initiatives highlighted in Argentina and Spain

Efforts to manage pharmaceutical waste are being highlighted in Argentina and Spain through both local incidents and successful recycling programs.

In Neuquén, Argentina, authorities responded to the discovery of 32 kilograms of expired medications discarded in a city center container. To prevent environmental contamination and public health risks, the Almafuerte Health Center has launched a campaign providing a dedicated collection box for residents to safely dispose of unused or expired medicines.

In Ciudad Real, Spain, the SIGRE system reported a significant increase in pharmaceutical waste collection. During 2025, over 56,725 kilograms of empty packaging and leftover medications were collected through participating pharmacies, marking a 7.15% increase from the previous year. This growth reflects rising public engagement in using specialized pharmacy collection points to prevent soil and water contamination.