Descriptive analysis of pharmaceutical disposal practices in Sekondi-Takoradi: implications for environmental and public health safety in Ghana

Improper disposal of unused and expired medicines from homes, pharmacies, and health facilities continues to introduce pharmaceutical contaminants into the environment, posing risks to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. In Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana’s third most industrialized city with an annual population growth rate of 2% and home to over 80 health facilities, there is a lack of research data on the disposal patterns of medicines among its inhabitants. To capture a holistic view of pharmaceutical waste management, this study assessed disposal patterns across both households and retail pharmacies in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, providing a comprehensive understanding of disposal behaviors along the medicine use and supply chain. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 374 households and 59 retail pharmacies and over-the-counter medication shops in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis to assess the disposal pattern for unused and expired medications. The results indicated that households primarily discarded unused and expired medicines in garbage bins (308/82.35%), flushed them down the sink (69/18.45%), or used incineration (32/8.56%). For retail pharmacies, 23 respondents (38.98%) reported placing solid-form medicines in trash cans, while 23 (38.98%) returned them to the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) for disposal. Regarding liquid-form pharmaceuticals, 21 pharmacies (35.59%) returned them to the FDA, while 17 (28.81%) discarded them in garbage bins. For semi-solid forms, 23 pharmacies (38.98%) used trash cans and 22 (37.29%) relied on FDA collection. The widespread use of inappropriate disposal methods, particularly among households, suggests a lack of awareness or limited access to proper pharmaceutical waste management practices. These findings highlight the need for improved public education and the implementation of structured take-back programs. Regulatory authorities should enforce organized collection systems to reduce the environmental impact of pharmaceutical waste.