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Promoting Sustainability in an Aging City: Drivers of Proper Pharmaceuticals Disposal

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  • Fernando Arbués
  • Roberto Balado‐Naves
  • Inmaculada Villanúa

Abstract

In a demographic context marked by a rapid increase in the older adult population, pharmaceutical residues represent an increasing threat to sustainability. Promoting the proper disposal of this waste by households is fundamental in attaining the SDGs, particularly SDG 8. This paper assesses the determinants influencing household participation in take‐back programs for pharmaceutical waste in an aging city. To this end, we estimate an econometric model where pharmaceutical waste disposal habits are explained by factors grouped into environmental attitudes, socioeconomic factors, and dwelling characteristics. As environmental attitudes include an endogenous factor (individuals' environmental concern), a bivariate probit model is estimated to avoid inconsistent results. The study shows that environmental concern is the most relevant variable and is positively influenced by the knowledge of environmental campaigns and educational level. This research offers a valuable tool for promoting sustainable pharmaceutical waste management, allowing identification of relevant population segments and enabling targeted measures.

Suggested Citation

  • Fernando Arbués & Roberto Balado‐Naves & Inmaculada Villanúa, 2026. "Promoting Sustainability in an Aging City: Drivers of Proper Pharmaceuticals Disposal," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(S1), pages 427-438, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:34:y:2026:i:s1:p:427-438
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.70179
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