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Household Pharmaceutical Waste Management Practices in the Johannesburg Area, South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Benele K. Magagula

    (Department of Geography, Environmental Management & Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524. Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2092, South Africa)

  • Isaac T. Rampedi

    (Department of Geography, Environmental Management & Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524. Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2092, South Africa)

  • Kowiyou Yessoufou

    (Department of Geography, Environmental Management & Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524. Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2092, South Africa)

Abstract

Pharmaceutical wastes are expected to increase given the increasing population growth rates and rapidly rising economic burden of human diseases. This challenge calls for appropriate measures for the management of such hazardous wastes. The purpose of this survey was to document and investigate existing practices for the handling, storage, and disposal of household pharmaceutical wastes (HPWs) in the Johannesburg area. Primary data were collected via online surveys with self-administered questionnaires completed by respondents. The research found that 77% ( n = 286) of respondents claimed some knowledge about HPWs. Types of medicines that contributed to HPWs included painkillers or analgesics (73%, n = 270) and drugs for treating colds and flu-related illnesses (52%; n = 193). Although there were a few exceptions, the respondents generally exhibited strong disagreements with environmentally unfriendly and health-threatening disposal practices. Moreover, most participants were willing to return expired medicines to pharmacies (40.7%, n = 151), whereas only 8.6% ( n = 32) opposed this solution. Awareness levels tended to vary with employment status, educational qualifications, and place of residence. However, place of residence and household size did not correlate with types of pharmaceutical waste. Additionally, the study found that education attainments significantly influenced the willingness of respondents to return pharmaceutical wastes. Finally, there were no significant differences amongst respondents in terms of waste disposal practices. Altogether, the findings suggest the need for targeted efforts to bring about sustainable waste management at a household level.

Suggested Citation

  • Benele K. Magagula & Isaac T. Rampedi & Kowiyou Yessoufou, 2022. "Household Pharmaceutical Waste Management Practices in the Johannesburg Area, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-16, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:12:p:7484-:d:842117
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Babaei, Ali Akbar & Alavi, Nadali & Goudarzi, Gholamreza & Teymouri, Pari & Ahmadi, Kambiz & Rafiee, Mohammad, 2015. "Household recycling knowledge, attitudes and practices towards solid waste management," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 102(C), pages 94-100.
    2. Eshetu Janka & Diego Carvajal & Shuai Wang & Rune Bakke & Carlos Dinamarca, 2019. "Treatment of Metformin-Containing Wastewater by a Hybrid Vertical Anaerobic Biofilm-Reactor (HyVAB)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-11, October.
    3. Parizeau, Kate & Maclaren, Virginia & Chanthy, Lay, 2006. "Waste characterization as an element of waste management planning: Lessons learned from a study in Siem Reap, Cambodia," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 49(2), pages 110-128.
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    1. Kamel Mouloudj & Anuli Njoku & Dachel Martínez Asanza & Ahmed Chemseddine Bouarar & Marian A. Evans & Smail Mouloudj & Achouak Bouarar, 2023. "Modeling Predictors of Medication Waste Reduction Intention in Algeria: Extending the Theory of Planned Behavior," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(16), pages 1-18, August.

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