Why throwing inhalers in the bin is a bad idea
Never dispose of inhalers in your regular household rubbish or recycling bins. This is due to several significant health and environmental risks.
- Explosion risk: Many inhalers, known as pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs), contain pressurized canisters. When these are compacted in garbage trucks or incinerated, they can explode, posing a severe safety risk to waste workers.
- Greenhouse gas emissions: The propellants used in pMDIs are powerful hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas. Throwing these inhalers into landfill releases these harmful gases into the atmosphere.
- Water contamination: Empty or expired inhalers often retain a small amount of leftover medication. If they end up in landfill, this residual medication can leak and contaminate local water supplies.
Where to dispose of inhalers: a global guide
Proper disposal procedures vary by country and region, so it is essential to check local guidelines.
Disposal in the United Kingdom
For individuals in the UK, the process is straightforward and consistent: all used, unwanted, or expired inhalers should be returned to a local pharmacy. The NHS, in collaboration with waste management services, funds the safe disposal of these devices.
- How it works: Simply take your old inhalers to any local pharmacy and hand them over. They will collect and send them to specialist facilities where the remaining propellant gases are safely captured and the rest of the device (plastics, metal) is recycled or repurposed.
- Environmental benefit: This thermal treatment process significantly reduces the environmental impact compared to landfill disposal.
Disposal in the United States
In the U.S., the procedure is less standardized and depends on state and local regulations. The key is to contact a local pharmacy or waste facility.
- Pharmacy take-back programs: Many pharmacies, including some Walgreens and CVS locations, have medicine drop-off kiosks that accept inhalers. Always call ahead to confirm if your local pharmacy participates in such a program and accepts inhalers specifically.
- Hazardous waste facilities: For many jurisdictions, inhalers are considered household hazardous waste (HHW). Contact your local waste management provider or check their website for scheduled HHW drop-off events or permanent facilities.
- Mail-back programs: Some pharmaceutical manufacturers offer prepaid mail-back packages for expired medications, including inhalers. You can request one online or by phone.
Disposal in Australia
For Australian residents, the rules differ based on the inhaler's contents.
- Empty inhalers: The National Asthma Council Australia advises that if a pressurized canister is completely empty, it can be put in the general rubbish bin. The plastic case can be placed in household recycling.
- Expired or partially full inhalers: Any inhaler with residual medication or that is expired must be returned to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
Types of inhalers and their disposal
Understanding the type of inhaler you have helps clarify the disposal method.
| Feature | Pressurized Metered-Dose Inhaler (pMDI) | Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Delivers medicine via a pressurized aerosol. | Delivers a dry powder medication that is inhaled. |
| Appearance | Typically a small, metal canister inside a plastic casing. | Varies, but often has a multi-part, non-aerosol plastic design. |
| Environmental Risk | Releases potent HFC greenhouse gases if disposed of in landfill. | Does not contain HFC propellants, but still contains residual medication. |
| Disposal (UK) | Return to any pharmacy. | Return to any pharmacy. |
| Disposal (USA) | Return to pharmacy take-back or HHW facility. | Return to pharmacy take-back or HHW facility. |
| Disposal (Australia) | Return to pharmacy if not empty. Empty canister to general waste, plastic casing to recycling. | Return to pharmacy if medication remains. |
How to prepare your inhalers for safe return
Preparing your inhaler correctly is a simple process:
- Keep the inhaler in its plastic casing. Do not attempt to take it apart.
- Place expired or used inhalers in a separate bag from other waste.
- Check the labels and ensure any personal details are removed or obscured.
- Take the sealed bag directly to a participating pharmacy or approved disposal site. It's often helpful to wait until you have a few inhalers to return at once.
Conclusion
The correct disposal of inhalers is a simple yet impactful action everyone can take to protect the environment. By returning your old devices to a pharmacy or authorized facility, you prevent harmful gases from escaping, eliminate the risk of explosion, and ensure that residual medication does not contaminate water sources. The small effort of returning inhalers makes a significant contribution to both public safety and a healthier planet. For more information on the environmental impact of inhalers, consider visiting the Asthma + Lung UK website..
