# Medical and pharmaceutical waste management initiatives

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/medical-and-pharmaceutical-waste-management-initiatives
> Updated: 2026-09-27T16:56:24.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Efforts to manage pharmaceutical and medical waste are being implemented through various local initiatives in Argentina and Spain.

In Argentina, the ‘Ecoinsulina’ program was launched in Paraná to establish collection points for used insulin pens, aiming to recycle the plastic components of these devices. In Neuquén, authorities addressed the improper disposal of 32 kilograms of expired medications by launching a campaign through the Almafuerte Health Center to provide dedicated collection boxes for residents.

In Spain, the SIGRE system reported a 7.15% increase in pharmaceutical waste collection during 2025, with over 56,725 kilograms of leftover medications and empty packaging collected via pharmacies to prevent soil and water contamination.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-27: Medical waste management initiatives highlighted in Argentina and Spain

Authorities in Neuquén, Argentina, are addressing improper medical waste disposal, while Ciudad Real, Spain, reports a 7.15% increase in pharmaceutical recycling through SIGRE pharmacy points.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/medical-waste-management-initiatives-highlighted-in-argentina-and-spain

### 2026-09-15: Environmental initiatives address medical waste and food safety contaminants

New environmental initiatives include an insulin pen recycling program in Paraná, Argentina, and expanded food safety monitoring by the EU for emerging contaminants like PFAS and plasticizers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/environmental-initiatives-address-medical-waste-and-food-safety-contaminants

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Cite as: Medical and pharmaceutical waste management initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/medical-and-pharmaceutical-waste-management-initiatives