Reduce, Reuse, Refill (your prescriptions)

It’s no secret that plastic consumption in the healthcare industry is high. Plastic is cost-effective and convenient, and single-use supplies can be vital in an environment where biohazards lurk. But rather than attempt to reform the entire industry in a single blog post, perhaps we can focus on one of the most feasible contributors to tackle: medication containers.

Pharmacy Packaging and the Future

According to IQVIA, a total of 6.3 billion prescriptions were dispensed in the US in 2020. From blister packs of birth control to child-resistant bottles of antibiotics, it’s safe to say most people will receive at least a few prescription medications in their lifetime. Or, if you’re like me, you’ll get fresh bottles every three months for (probably) your entire life. With four regular prescriptions, that’s 160 bottles every ten years, just for me!

So how can pharmacies take action to limit plastic usage? As of late, people have begun designing alternatives to the classic amber prescription bottle. Here are a few examples:

• Parcel Health has developed several sustainable packaging products for pharmacies
• Saatchi & Saatchi offers a paper prescription container
• Cabinet Health is an online pharmacy that uses refillable bottles and compostable pouches

While these are all wonderful initiatives that could be the way of the future, they have yet to take a widespread hold in the industry. So let’s look at how we can make an impact today.

Reusing and Recycling

As we speak, there are six empty prescription bottles on my kitchen table, awaiting their sentences. “Reduce” isn’t an option right now, so it comes down to the remaining two of the three Rs.

Will one bottle be upcycled to store my extra rosemary seeds? Will they all get mournfully dropped in the trash since my curbside recycling can’t take them? Maybe I’ll just continue to hoard them, hoping that soon my pharmacy will start a bottle return program.

I feel bad putting a hard plastic like this in the garbage, especially when it has a confusing little recycle symbol on the bottom. While this plastic (plastic #5) is technically recyclable, the issue becomes whether standard facilities can process such small items.

If you’re in the same boat as me, here are some methods to consider:

• Find a plastic #5 recycler near you
  • Recycle Nation is a great resource for this. All you need is your zip code, and you’ll be on your way to drop off those amber bottles in no time.
• Recycle bottles by mail
  • If you don’t have a drop off location near you, this is the next best thing. Check out Ship N Shred.
• Donate bottles
  • Matthew 25: Ministries accepts clean, empty medication bottles for donation by mail. This is a great way to reuse.

While your individual actions may feel small among the massive realm of pharmaceuticals, know that you are not alone. Everyday people and industry professionals are working toward a sustainable future each day, and yes, your efforts make a difference.