Towards sustainable pharmacy practice: Community pharmacists’ experiences with medicine waste, reuse and disposal

Objective: To explore the perspectives and experiences of community pharmacists in Northern Ireland regarding returned medicines, pharmaceutical waste, and safe disposal practices, with a focus on identifying barriers, opportunities, and policy implications. Methods: A qualitative study using semi-structured in-depth interviews was conducted with 15 community pharmacists recruited through purposive sampling. Interviews were held online using Zoom or Microsoft Teams, lasting 30–45 minutes each. Data was audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s six-step inductive thematic analysis framework. Two researchers independently coded the data, and discrepancies were resolved through discussion. Results: Seven key themes were identified: (1) Equitable access to return services, highlighting variability in public awareness and participation; (2) Safe pharmacy disposal practices, reflecting structured yet resource-dependent protocols; (3) Waste reduction through supply control, where pharmacists actively worked to minimise unnecessary dispensing; (4) Collaborative waste management, revealing informal partnerships with GPs and care homes; (5) Financial/Operational Burden of Disposal Services, showing frustration at the destruction of potentially reusable medications; (6) Workforce skills and support, noting a lack of formal training and clear guidance; and (7) Legal Tensions in Medicine Reuse, capturing the stiffness between waste reduction and strict safety regulations. Conclusion: Community pharmacists in Northern Ireland are committed to reducing medicine waste and ensuring safe disposal, but face regulatory, operational, and workforce-related barriers. Addressing these challenges will require standardised protocols, pharmacist-led public education, and greater integration into prescribing processes. These actions directly support global efforts toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Good Health and Well-being, Responsible Consumption and Production, and Climate Action. Empowering pharmacists through training, policy support, and interprofessional collaboration is essential for building a more sustainable, equitable, and environmentally responsible healthcare system.